Meet Our Team


Stephanie Pearmain

Stephanie Pearmain received an MFA in Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hollins University. She has worked in the English Department at UA since 2001 where she currently teaches courses in Children's and Young Adult Literature & Publishing and is the Coordinator of Undergraduate English Internships. She has been a Reader for the Andrea Brown Literary Agency and the award-winning online young adult literary magazine YARN. Her first children's book was published in 2012 by Scholastic and her writing has been published in anthologies and magazines, including the Nancy Drew Anthology.

Stephanie Pearmain

Director
Aruna Sreenivasan

Aruna is a sophomore Honors student at the University of Arizona majoring in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Despite her passion for science, she’s also loved books ever since she can remember, and has always had a soft spot for her literature and arts courses. She believes wholeheartedly in the magic of uplifting diverse voices, a good story, and smudged eyeliner. When she’s not studying, you can catch her somewhere comfy, curled up with a book and a sweet treat.

Aruna Sreenivasan

Assistant Director, Lead Community Outreach, Lead Website Manager, Podcast Host, Writer, & Editor
Melia Gemrose

Melia Gemrose is currently a student at the University of Arizona studying English and Classics, with the hopes of pursuing a career in publishing post-graduation. She likes reading across all genres, but has a special love of young adult fantasy. When she can find it in herself to stop reading and leave the house, she enjoys testing new boba shops, eating Greek food, and scouring independent bookstores with friends.

Melia Gemrose

Assistant Director, Lead Editor
Sam Parker

Sam Parker is a junior at the University of Arizona. She is majoring in journalism with minors in Film & Television, English and Public Relations. Sam has always loved the art of storytelling, and channels this passion through her role as a reporter and desk editor for the Daily Wildcat, the independent student newspaper at the University of Arizona. When she’s not reading or writing or editing for the Wildcat, Sam enjoys hiking, listening to music, baking and spending time with friends!

Sam Parker

Social Media Lead & Writer
Sam Yanis

Sam is a freshman at the University of Arizona majoring in English. She is a bookstagrammer who has loved reading since she was a little girl. Her favorite genres are fantasy, romance, and historical fiction, both YA and Adult. She loves how reading can give you experiences you’ll never get in the real world. Aside from reading, she is also studying Modern Greek here at UA, and she loves fashion. Her dream is to work in the publishing industry, whether that be as an editor or as something else.

Sam Yanis

Lead Writer & Podcast Host
Jenica Delaney

Jenica Delaney is a third year honors student at the University of Arizona, majoring in English and minoring in creative writing and psychology. Jenica has had an affinity for reading and writing since childhood and intends to pursue a career as a writer. Although her dreams are ambitious, she still loves the world of editing and intends to start off in the publishing field. Her favorite genres include fantasy, horror, and feminist literature. Her true passion for writing developed as a young adult, which inspires her to encourage other young adults to follow their own dreams, despite what others may say.

Jenica Delaney

Writer & Editor
Callie Andrews

Callie Andrews is a Junior at the University of Arizona studying Creative Writing and Studio Art. Media Chair and player on the Arizona Women's Rugby team, Callie spends her days off the pitch reading, writing and crocheting in the company of her cat Pippin. Both a lover of sports and YA literature, she hopes to secure a career in Social Media/Graphic Design for the NFL while also continuing to share her writing with the world.

Callie Andrews

Social Media & Web
Abby Ballas

Abby is a Junior at the University of Arizona. She is majoring in psychology and minoring in both Spanish and creative writing. Abby loves young adult fiction, especially fantasy. Her love for reading started with The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler when she was in fifth grade. When Abby is not studying with an iced tea in hand, she is usually reading or searching for little libraries in her neighborhood. In the future, she hopes to become a teacher and eventually work in publishing.

Abby Ballas

Editor
Xena Lundahl

Xena is an Honors sophomore at the University of Arizona. She is majoring in Marketing with a minor in English and Spanish. In the future, she hopes to be a literary agent or a marketing manager at a publishing company. She has a huge love and passion for literature, particularly young adult fantasy with good romantic subplots. If she's not in bed with a good book, she's hanging out with her friends on little adventures or going to the movies at least once a week.

Xena Lundahl

Podcast Host
Hannah Goerndt

Hannah Goerndt is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Creative Writing, Professional and Technical Writing, and Classics. When not studying or attending classes, she can be found writing fantasy stories. She enjoys a book with dynamic character development, well built worlds and beautiful prose. She hopes to go into a Fiction Writing MFA program post graduation and become a published author.

Hannah Goerndt

Writer
Vanshikha Vij

Vanshikha is a senior at the University of Arizona Honors College majoring in Biology and Spanish Translation. She's always loved reading and especially loves reading mythology which led her to pursue a classics minor. Her introduction to reading as a hobby was The Hunger Games which is why she will always love any young adult dystopian novel! When she's not reading she enjoys watching movies, traveling, and spending time with her golden retriever named Lego.

Vanshikha Vij

Writer
Avery Conover

Avery is a senior at the University of Arizona. She is majoring in English with a minor in Spanish. After graduation, Avery plans to pursue a master’s degree in teaching, specifically advanced high school literature. Covid-19 really peaked Avery’s interest in reading, as she would spend the time exploring new genres and authors. Recently, Avery has found a new love for fantasy, which was never a favorite of hers growing up. She loves to spend time outdoors by the pool with a good book.

Avery Conover

Editor
Rebecca Forte-Barry

Rebecca Forte-Barry, a junior at the University of Arizona, is majoring in English and minoring in Library and Information Science. She believes that reading is a gateway to understanding diverse perspectives. She began her reading journey with the YA genre, but she is open to any book with a compelling story. When she’s not engrossed in her studies, you can find her lost in a book, spending quality time with her cats, or curating themed playlists. She serves as an editor and writer at the Pine Reads Review.

Rebecca Forte-Barry

Editor & Writer

Alumni Staff

Julian Esquer

Julian Esquer received his Bachelor of Art degree in Political Science and English from the University of Arizona and is now a graduate student at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, pursuing a Master of Legal Studies degree. He is passionate about reading and enjoys analyzing works that go beyond the common scope of writing to develop a better understanding of the author and their purpose. After completing his MLS degree, he plans to attend law school and become a practicing attorney to then later pursue his Ph.D. in English literature and teach courses that combine both English literature and law.

Julian Esquer

Assistant Director (2017 - 2021)
Hannah Miller

Growing up in Tucson, AZ with an English teacher as a mother and an overcrowded bookshelf for a best friend, you could say that Hannah Miller was practically raised on stories. So it’s no surprise that her love of all things fictional led to a bachelor’s degree in Film and Television with dual minors in English and Creative Writing. In her spare time, you can usually find her hiking with her family, binge-watching Avatar: The Last Airbender for the hundredth time, or tucked away in her bedroom with a good book.

Hannah Miller

Assistant Director (2019 - 2021)
Wendy Waltrip

Wendy Waltrip (she/her) is an Honors senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Creative Writing and minoring in History and Theatre. She’s written nine YA action/adventure novels and two plays that have been produced, and she was recently selected to write and have published a short story for Once Upon a Book Club. Books have always been a huge part of Wendy’s life, and since August 2017, she’s been working as a Library Services Assistant at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Library. After graduation, she would like to work in children’s publishing and to one day become a full-time fiction author.

Wendy Waltrip

Assistant Director (2020 - 2021)
Grace Kennedy

Grace Kennedy is an Arizona native who moved from Phoenix to study creative writing at the University of Arizona. She puts emphasis on writing nonfiction essays, but has always had a soft spot for fiction since she was an avid young adult reader. Grace is an honors student entering her junior year, and also minoring in music. When she isn't reading or writing, Grace is usually playing saxophone or piano, and is a member of the UA's Saxophone Studio and Wind Symphony.

Grace Kennedy

Assistant Director (2021)
Mikayla Kaber

Mikayla Kaber has always been a lover of stories, an avid bookworm, and a curious soul. She is majoring in Creative Writing with a minor in Technical Writing to ensure that everyday is spent working on her craft and exploring the world around her. She has a diverse background in copy editing, reporting, and studying poetry and fiction. Outside of school, she can be found working with the Daily Wildcat newspaper, writing poetry, and reading new authors and stories. Her interests include traveling with family and friends, and hopping on the newest Netflix trends with her dogs snuggled up against her.

Mikayla Kaber

Assistant Director (2021 - 2022)
Sophie Applin

Sophie is currently a Junior at the University of Arizona counting down the days until she can see snow again! When she’s not dreaming about winter, Sophie enjoys reading, drinking iced lattes, and snuggling with her foster kittens. She hopes to encourage students at UofA to keep reading, especially if it’s Young Adult books. After graduation, Sophie plans to pack up her books and move to a (snowy!) city to pursue a career in publishing.

Sophie Applin

Assistant Director (2022)
Erika Brittain

Erika Brittain is a senior at the University of Arizona. She is double majoring in English and Professional & Technical Writing, with minors in Theatre Arts and Library & Information Science. Erika has loved the art of storytelling since childhood— from reading books, to watching movies, to acting in plays. As a Chinese adoptee raised in a multicultural family, she loves stories about people from diverse backgrounds. Her goals in the future include a career in the publishing industry or any place where she can connect with those who love reading.

Erika Brittain

Assistant Director (2022 - 2023), Lead Website Manager (2021 - 2023)
Emma Watts

Emma Watts is an Honors student at the University of Arizona majoring in English and creative writing. When she isn’t reading or writing, Emma enjoys playing fetch with her cat Ivy and hiking at Saguaro National Park. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in the publishing industry as well as publish a few novels of her own.

Emma Watts

Assistant Director (2023)
Ashley Amacher

Ashley Amacher is an honors student entering her senior year at the University of Arizona. She is majoring in English and minoring in Pre-Law and Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. She dreams of working in the publishing industry as an editor or literary agent after graduation. Ashley loves reading and analyzing young adult literature, particularly young adult fantasy with strong female protagonists. When she’s not reading, studying, or tutoring, Ashley enjoys volunteering, thrift shopping, and checking out local restaurants.

Ashley Amacher

Assistant Director (2023-2024), Lead Editor, & Writer
Michelle LeBar

Michelle LeBar is a recent UA graduate who has spent much of her life in academia because she just loves it that much. Creative writing is her passion, and Young Adult is her favorite genre to curl up with after a busy day of work and classes. Her favorite book series at the moment is the Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, but she’s always searching for a new favorite. When she’s not at school, she works at Barnes and Noble, and always keeps an eye out for the most interesting new releases.

Michelle LeBar

Social Media, Writer
Christy Duprey

Christy Duprey hails from New Jersey, but fled West after graduating high school, searching for better weather. She majors in English and Creative Writing here at the U of A, and is currently a senior. When not in class, she can generally be found chipping away at the first draft of a novel. Her other interests include the visual arts and theater, having very nearly led her into a theatrical production major. Luckily, writing won out in the end. After graduating, she hopes to go into publishing.

Christy Duprey

Podcast Producer, Writer
Cheyenne Lopex

Once upon a time, Cheyenne Lopex hated reading and was notorious among elementary school teachers for writing book reports on stories she had made up herself. Her reputation changed when she stumbled across a fantasy novel in her middle school library. She went from a book hater to a book lover within a matter of pages. Now, as a senior at the University of Arizona, she is majoring in English and Creative Writing. Although she stopped writing book reports on her own stories, she can be found analyzing her favorite books and writing a page or two of her own.

Cheyenne Lopex

Editor, Writer
Alessandra De Zubeldia

Alessandra De Zubeldia is a senior majoring in English and Creative Writing with a minor in Spanish. At seventeen, she left Guadalajara, Mexico, the place she calls home, to begin her upper-educational journey in Tucson. Currently, she is working on her creative thesis, a project that has been equally daunting and rewarding. After graduation, she is excited to go into publishing. She is also interested in someday working as a court translator for Mexican and Central American immigrants and refugees, an interest further fueled after reading Valeria Luiselli’s essay “Tell Me How It Ends,” which she highly recommends.

Alessandra De Zubeldia

Writer
Wala Abushaar

Wala Abushaar was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and has been immersed in the entertainment industry since 1995. A die hard gamer and film enthusiast since birth; he majored in Creative Writing and is currently pursuing a Masters in Computer Science. He began his career as a writer to cover the highs and lows of entertainment and broadcast the beauty of the industry to like-minded individuals.

Wala Abushaar

Writer
Nick Hald

Nick Hald aka NoLimitsNick wasn't always a writer. In fact, it was his worst subject in school. However, his love for video games is what drew him to love storytelling and to study creative writing at the University of Arizona. In his time here he came across the school's Esports club, became an Officer, and even made a team for them. Now, Nick is off to create his own story and find new ones in the realms of science fiction and fantasy.

Nick Hald

Web, Social Media
Bryahnna Butler

Bryahnna Butler grew up in a military family and was traveling the world before she said her first words. By the age of 9, she was settled in Sierra Vista, Arizona and continued to grow her love of traveling, taking trips to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Japan, and all across the United States. In her formative years, she developed her love of theatre, reading, and music. Now, as a sophomore Creative Writing major with a minor in Studio Art, she spends her time with her nose in a book, writing poetry, or tinkering with her ukulele. After graduation, Bryahnna hopes to write self-help children’s books for adults or publish her poetry.

Bryahnna Butler

Writer
Ajia Barnes

Ajia Barnes is an aspiring writer/poet who was raised in Warner Robins, Georgia. She was born in Hampton, Virginia but due to her family being military, she’s gotten to travel overseas and to multiple states. She now attends the University of Arizona where she studies English with a minor in music.

Ajia Barnes

Writer
Allisone Doerner

Allisone Doerner is from Sedona, Arizona. She moved to Arizona when she was five and lived in Sedona for about 15 years. In middle school, she traveled to France, Italy and Greece while on a student ambassador program. Since then, she has always wanted to go back and explore other countries. In high school, she was on her newspaper and yearbook staff where she liked working on the reviews section and making infographics. She currently has a blog called “All Is One Little Book.” She mainly writes book reviews, but she is interested working on other topics to post about.

Allisone Doerner

Editor, Writer
Chris Lee

Chris Lee is a California native that found himself living all around the US. He and his family moved to Tucson a few years ago where he enrolled in the University of Arizona. Chris is an English major with a passion for politics and social commentary. If he’s not reading a classic, he’s either caught up in the newest LGBT novel or buried under research papers. Chris is now a senior at the UofA and is graduating with his BA this spring. He’s looking to continue onto graduate school and one day find his way back to the coast.

Chris Lee

Writer, Editor
Anna Gerwig

A small girl with a big love for big books, Anna Gerwig has a passion for sharing and collecting stories. She is a senior at the University of Arizona's Honors College majoring in English and Creative Writing. While she loves to write, she is also pursuing a career in publishing to come alongside storytellers. Known for always carrying at least one book at all times all over the world, Anna always makes time to read. Anna has also interned for Worlds of Words and looks forward to wherever books will take her next.

Anna Gerwig

Writer
Eleanor Hall

Eleanor Hall is a junior studying Information Science, Technology and Art at the University of Arizona. She works as an IT technician outside of classes for the College of Humanities. While Eleanor enjoys reading for pleasure, she is most likely to be found writing code or practicing web design. Eleanor hopes to continue working in IT or venture into web design after graduating.

Eleanor Hall

Web
Leah Kist

Leah Kist is a Sophomore English Major minoring in French and Marketing at the University of Arizona. She is a podcast enthusiast and will always talk about books when given the chance. Her interests include reading, dance concerts. Leah hopes to enter the publishing industry after graduation.

Leah Kist

Social Media, Writer, Podcast Producer
Joe Buckler

Joe Buckler is an author of adult and children's fiction, a blogger, and a reviewer. He graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona, and is a current M.F.A. Candidate at Emerson College. A gluttonous reader, cinephile, and gamer, Joe is a lover of all things immersive, especially in the realms of the strange and unusual. Instagram: @imwithjoebuckler

Joe Buckler

Writer
Michael Goldstein

Michael Goldstein, raised in New Jersey, is a senior at the University of Arizona pursuing a major in Urban and Regional Development with a minor in English. Despite his major, Goldstein has a constantly increasing passion for literature. Similar to most, that passion began with young adult literature. Some of his favorite YA titles are Unwind, Hatchet, and Full Tilt. Along with his blogs and reviews, Goldstein also enjoys writing short stories, screenplays, and novellas.

Michael Goldstein

Writer
Mandy Becker

Mandy Becker is a senior student at the University of Arizona majoring in English, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Spanish. She is a native Tucsonan and loves spending time out in the desert. She tries to work with people—especially kids—and animals whenever she can and is the proud mama of a goldfish named Watney. When she isn’t in class or in the library, you can find her watching superhero movies, reading books in the vein of Harry Potter or learning about the ocean.

Mandy Becker

Writer
Jon Kresal

Jon Kresal is a senior at the University of Arizona currently pursuing a double major in English and Creative Writing. Jon moved to Tucson twelve years ago from California. He is a veteran of the Marine Corps reserves. Jon enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy novels and seeing how those works project people's views on society. When not in class you will find Jon either Rock Climbing or hours deep into various board games. Jon is graduating this winter and hopes to go to grad school so he can further develop his own fiction writing.

Jon Kresal

Podcast Producer, Writer
Adrienne Park

Adrienne Park is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Creative Writing with a minor in Film and Television. She has always had a love for both writing and film. In her spare time, she usually is watching a Netflix series, movie, or writing for pleasure. Adrienne also enjoys spending time with her dog, or with her family and friends. She enjoys reading young adult fiction, romance, and dystopian novels. Adrienne hopes to work in the publishing industry, but also hopes to become an author of young adult fiction herself.

Adrienne Park

Writer
Courtney Halsey

Courtney Halsey is an English major minoring in Business Administration at the University of Arizona. She is a voracious reader of YA, historical fiction, and narrative non-fiction. When not in class she works at the V.E.T.S Center on campus to help veterans, like herself, to transition from active duty to full-time student. One big goal in her life is to acquire as many books as possible for her personal library.

Courtney Halsey

Editor
Machaela Raney

Machaela Raney is a Junior at the University of Arizona majoring in English with a minor in Spanish. After graduating, she hopes to teach English as a second language in a Latin American country to combine her passions of learning other languages and helping others. Eventually, she hopes to obtain her PhD in English Literature and have the opportunity to enter the publishing and editing industry or teach English at the university level. Outside of her love of reading and writing, Machaela enjoys tutoring lower level Spanish students, writing poetry and music, and playing fetch with her beloved German Shepherd.

Machaela Raney

Writer
Caroline Ross

Caroline Ross is a senior at the University of Arizona studying English and creative writing. Outside of class, she works as an assistant at a photography archive and library. Caroline enjoys reading, writing, listening to podcasts, and talking about all things books. She will read any genre, but seeks out character-driven narratives with queer woman characters. She plans to pursue a Master of Library Science next and eventually become a youth services librarian/bestselling author. Caroline was an Assistant Director at Pine Reads Review fall 2019 and spring 2020.

Caroline Ross

Editor, Web, Writer
Karyme Cuadras

Karyme Cuadras is a first-generation college student from a small border town in Southern Arizona. She is a senior majoring in creative writing and Spanish at the University of Arizona and hopes to become a published author and to travel around the world post-graduation. She enjoys reading and writing non-fiction pieces and hopes to one day publish a novel in Spanish. Karyme would like to pursue a career in the publishing industry or as a professional interpreter and translator after graduating.

Karyme Cuadras

Editor, Writer
Kevin Sanchez

A native Tucsonan, Kevin Sanchez, is a Senior double majoring in English and Creative Writing at the University of Arizona. He is passionate about reading and writing poetry, earning the First Honorable Mention from NFSPS’ National Undergraduate Poetry Competition for his chapbook manuscript Mosaics. Aside from poetry, Kevin enjoys science fiction and YA literature. During his free time, Kevin likes to travel, read, and explore Tucson’s many hiking trails. He aspires to study abroad in London in the spring. After graduation, Kevin plans on teaching English abroad.

Kevin Sanchez

Web, Writer
Tyler Steffen

Tyler Steffen is a senior at the University of Arizona studying English and Information Science with a minor in Spanish. Books have always been a huge part of Tyler’s life, and when she graduates, she hopes to work in the editing and publishing industry. She enjoys reading non-fiction, fantasy and mystery novels. During her free time, Tyler is usually cooking, baking or watching something on Netflix.

Tyler Steffen

Editor, Writer
Cameron Jobson

Cameron Jobson is originally from North Carolina, but has found a new home out west. She is currently a junior at the University of Arizona pursuing a major in Journalism and a minor in English. Throughout her academic career, she has found a passion for writing free verse poetry and multimedia journalism. And when she’s not doing school work, she enjoys reading true crime, cycling, and discovering new music. In the future, she hopes to enter the publishing industry and maybe even get published herself.

Cameron Jobson

Social Media
Jacqueline Balbastro

Jacqueline Balbastro is a senior majoring in Creative Writing and minoring in Studio Art at the University of Arizona. She splits her time between writing and her art endeavors. She hopes to combine her passions so she can write and illustrate her own published works, which include a graphic novel already in the works. While she enjoys YA literature she also loves binging movies and shows, drawing and thinking up new story concepts. She aspires to one day own a bookstore where she can offer programs that assist children to write their own stories and improve on their reading skills.

Jacqueline Balbastro

Podcast Producer, Writer, Social Media
Emma Bosworth

Emma Bosworth is a Junior at the University of Arizona studying Journalism with a thematic minor in relation to historical literature. Growing up in Phoenix, Emma has always turned to her color coded bookshelf for a bit of an escape from reality. Emma has a close place in her heart for New Adult and Young Adult literature, providing her a look through various lenses at a number of diverse and exciting stories. Other than reading, Emma spends her time working with the University’s Panhellenic Council, Arizona Ambassadors, her book themed TikTok platform, and enjoys volunteering at the Humane Society whenever possible.

Emma Bosworth

Social Media
Frances Drye

Frances Drye is a junior double majoring in English and Classics with a minor in Studio Art. Outside of class she works at the Daily Wildcat as a copy editor. Frances spends her free time reading, painting and playing her Nintendo Switch. Her favorite genre is YA fantasy and throughout her college career she has developed a passion for fairy tales and mythology. Books have always been important to her and after graduation she hopes to pursue a career in the publishing industry.

Frances Drye

Lead Community Outreach (2021-2022), Editor, Writer
Adrianna Muñoz

Raised in a military family, Adrianna Muñoz comes from all over the U.S. She is currently in her fourth year at the University of Arizona working towards a Creative Writing major and a Professional and Technical Writing minor. When she isn’t reading or studying, Adrianna often binges Netflix and spends time with her family and dogs. Her passion for traveling has her looking to explore the places she reads about in her books. Combining her love for reading and grammar, Adrianna plans to be a Copy Editor for fiction books.

Adrianna Muñoz

Podcast Producer (2021-2022), Editor, Writer
Sadie Cruz

Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Sadie Cruz is a first-generation college student in her senior year at The University of Arizona, double majoring in English and Creative Writing. For as long as she can remember, Sadie has loved all things books and reading. You’ll rarely find her without a book in her hands or a creative idea in her head. In her free time, Sadie enjoys reading YA novels, writing stories, and playing with her dog, Felix. She hopes to pursue a career in publishing post-graduation and to one day become a novelist.

Sadie Cruz

Podcast Producer (2021-2022), Editor, Writer
Sam Key

Sam Key is a sophomore at the University of Arizona majoring in English and Film/Television. Books have always been a huge part of her life, and she hopes to put that passion to use either in the publishing or entertainment industry. When it comes to reading, fantasy and science fiction are Sam’s favorite genres. Outside of class, Sam works as the banners chair for her sorority and enjoys traveling, shopping, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.

Sam Key

Writer, Social Media
Bethany Harrison

Bethany Harrison’s love for folklore, fairy tales, and poetry has grown exponentially in her time as an English major and Psychology minor at the University of Arizona. She believes that stories, old and new, are key to understanding human nature, with empathy and compassion as the products of their teachings. After college, she will either pursue a PhD in Literature or a career as a therapist for young women, primarily with ADHD. For now, she spends her time doing yoga, writing poetry, and cooking cozy and nutritious meals at home.

Bethany Harrison

Writer
Wynn Davis

Wynn Davis is a college sophomore double-majoring in Linguistics and Creative Writing. Wynn is interested in writing Adult and Young Adult Speculative Fiction as well as becoming a professional line editor for publishing companies specializing in Speculative Fiction. They enjoy reading high and urban fantasy, bio- and cyberpunk, and space opera.

Wynn Davis

Writer, Editor
Rose Lavan

Rose Lavan is a junior with a major in Professional and Technical Writing and a minor in Creative Writing. Outside of school, she spends her time working, playing video games, reading, and writing her fantasy novel. When it comes to reading, she prefers any sort of fantasy or dystopian fiction but is very particular in the books she reads. After graduation, Rose hopes to work as a manuscript editor in an international publishing house abroad. She also hopes to publish a few books of her own.

Rose Lavan

Editor, Writer
Frances LaBianca

Frances LaBianca is an Honors student at the University of Arizona. She is a sophomore majoring in Journalism. Frances has always had a love for reading and a deep appreciation for the work that goes into publishing a book, no matter what age group it is intended for. Frances hopes to use her curiosity, interest in telling stories, and passion for writing to be an investigative journalist. Outside of academics, Frances is a part of Greek Life and the Sophomore Student Honorary, SOPHOS.

Frances LaBianca

Social Media
Kayla Chandler

Kayla is an English major who is deeply passionate about children’s and YA literature, along with LGBTQ+ and environmental justice. In her free time she creative writes and reads fantasy and science fiction, and loves binging Netflix shows. Kayla has recently acquired a small plant garden and is happy to report that all of them are thriving. Her goal in life is to travel to every continent in the world, and to help develop good representation in children’s books so everyone can properly see themselves in their favorite stories when growing up.

Kayla Chandler

Editor, Writer, Web
Chloe Penna

Chloe Penna is a junior double majoring in English and Professional & Technical Writing with minors in French and Environmental Studies. Chloe shares her affinity for children's literature with others by reading picture books during the storytelling events she hosts at the UArizona Community Garden, where she is a Garden Manager and Compost Specialist. Having worked within the Pima County Public Library system for the last three years, Chloe hopes to become a Children’s Librarian after college. In her spare time, you can find Chloe pursuing culinary ventures and watching period dramas based on her favorite Victorian-era literature.

Chloe Penna

Editor, Writer
Megan Milton

Megan Milton is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in English with a minor in Creative Writing. Her passions in literature lie specifically within the intersections of queer, feminist, and young adult fiction. Outside of her studies, she enjoys tinkering in the kitchen, dabbling with new hobbies, and riding her bike to coffee dates with friends.

Megan Milton

Writer, Editor
Sohi Kang

Sohi Kang is a third-year student at the University of Arizona majoring in journalism and minoring in professional & technical writing. Her love of reading started in elementary school, growing a collection of Nancy Drew novels. Her passion for writing began as a student reporter in high school. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to pursue a career in the editing, publishing or journalism industry.

Sohi Kang

Lead Social Media Manager (2021-2022), Writer
Ami Jones

Ami Jones is an Honors student at the University of Arizona studying English and Political Science with a minor in American Indian Studies. She’s passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the publishing industry. She loves reading YA or classic novels and is a self-described coffee connoisseur. Her favorite genres to read are magical realism or realistic fiction. When she’s not studying or reading, she loves watching anime, writing poetry, or crafting. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in Higher Education or publishing.

Ami Jones

Lead Editor (2022), Web, Writer
Taylor Quinn

Taylor Quinn is an Honors student at the University of Arizona majoring in creative writing and English. She is passionate about reading and writing high fantasy stories but enjoys exploring new genres. In the future, she aspires to work in the publishing industry, whether it be through editing or publishing her own work. When she is not doing school work, reading, or writing, she enjoys rewatching Disney and the Harry Potter movies.

Taylor Quinn

Lead Community Outreach (2022), Writer, Editor
Emily Pimental

Emily Pimental is a senior at the University of Arizona studying English and Creative Writing. A lifelong bookworm, Emily loves reading books from a wide variety of genres, but stories written for children and young adults hold a special place in her heart. She also loves to write, and her biggest dream is to one day become a published author herself. On the rare occasions when she’s not reading or writing, Emily also enjoys cooking, watching movies, and snuggling with her cat.

Emily Pimental

Writer, Community Outreach
Vinny Cuadrado

Vinny Cuadrado currently attends the University of Arizona where he is majoring in Creative Writing and minoring in Film & Television. His interests gravitate towards literature and film, but also art and illustration. With growing successes in original poetry, graphic design, and the short film industry, he seeks to one day join the ranks of popular writers and artists. He is also a huge comic book fan and science fiction enthusiast.

Vinny Cuadrado

Graphic Designer, Social Media, Writer
Maryssa Orta

Maryssa Orta is a senior at The University of Arizona majoring in English and minoring in film and journalism. She's been reading for as long as she can remember. Her favorite genres are horror and crime but she enjoys a good story no matter what. Maryssa hopes to work in the publishing industry as an editor or writer. During her free time, she loves to study fashion and watch cheesy vampire movies.

Maryssa Orta

Editor
Kevin Camarena

Kevin Camarena is from El Paso Texas, Juarez Mexico area, and he has always had a passion for books and storytelling. He likes science fiction, teen drama, fantasy, among other genres. Kevin is excited to read new YA books to recommend to readers!

Kevin Camarena

Writer, Editor, Web
Grace Katich

Grace Katich is a senior at the University of Arizona pursuing a BA in creative writing with a minor in journalism. She has a passion for writing with a concentration in creative nonfiction with high hopes of becoming a writer of a lifestyle/fashion magazine and maybe even write her own memoir one day. Despite her love for writing nonfiction she has a first love of fiction- reading an average of about 20 books a year- mostly romance. She grew up on the Jersey Shore with her beloved mom and little sister, hoping to move to NYC upon graduation.

Grace Katich

Writer
Carmen Rivero

Carmen Rivero is an Honors student at the University of Arizona, where she is double majoring in English and political science. She is passionate about reading and writing, and greatly enjoys discovering new authors and genres in her spare time. Outside of school, Carmen is a member of Students for Sustainability and is passionate about environmental justice and leadership on campus. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career that combines her love of literature and humanitarian work.

Carmen Rivero

Lead Social Media Manager (2021 - 2023)
Destiny Gilchrist

Destiny Gilchrist is a senior attending the University of Arizona. She is majoring in both English and Creative Writing. Her love of reading and writing started at 6 years old in a small library where she decided to read Clifford the Big Red Dog for the first time. Later she began to explore the world of poetry as a way to reflect on the world and the things she experienced. She found it important to see herself in the stories that she both reads and writes. She strives to share more work for different voices like her own.

Destiny Gilchrist

Writer
Brooke Gorman

Brooke Gorman is an Acting BFA at the University of Arizona. She is also pursuing minors in both creative writing and film. A great passion of her's is LGBTQ+ representation within YA literature.

Brooke Gorman

Writer, Social Media
Sam Kirk

Sam Kirk is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in English with a minor in Classics. She is hoping to pursue a career in publishing post-graduation. Sam has always had a passion for reading and one of her favorite genres is young adult fantasy.

Sam Kirk

Editor
Emily Abundis

Emily Abundis is a junior majoring in Biochemistry and Psychological Science with a minor in English. As a firm believer of the power literature holds, she enjoys reading any genre with a soft spot for classics, poetry, and fantasy. Aside from reading and writing, her interests include science, music, and film.

Emily Abundis

Writer, Editor, Social Media
Mireya Borgen

Mireya is an honors student in her junior year majoring in English and Political Science with a minor in Spanish. Mireya has adored reading from a young age, and especially enjoys YA romance. She is passionate about racial and ethnic representation in literature. When she’s not reading or working on school, Mireya loves spending time with her two dogs, Buddy and Louis.

Mireya Borgen

Editor
Emma Conner

Emma Conner is a sophomore majoring in English and minoring in Anthropology. She has been an avid reader since she was young and aspires to enter the publishing industry after graduation, with the ultimate goal of becoming an author. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, reading, painting, and playing with her dogs when she is back home.

Emma Conner

Web
Tereza Rascon

Tereza Rascon is a junior majoring in English with a minor in Business Administration. Tereza's love of literature was instilled in her at a very young age by her Nina who gave Tereza her first book, Amelia Bedelia. In her free time, she loves to listen to musical theater, binge the latest Netflix series, and write stories. Working as a copy editor for the Daily Wildcat, Tereza hopes to one day find a career within the publishing industry either as an editor or as a writer herself.

Tereza Rascon

Writer, Web, Social Media
Sadelle Gibson

Sadelle Gibson is currently a junior at The University of Arizona, majoring in Creative Writing and Professional and Technical Writing with a minor in Marketing. From a young age Sadelle loved reading and writing in any genre, from fantasy to sci-fi. This love expanded to being invested in the storylines of videogames and the horror movie genre. However, her heart is stuck exploring her writing in the world of Women's Fiction. After she graduates she hopes to work in the publishing industry and soon write her own books.

Sadelle Gibson

Writer, Social Media
Kelly Marry

Kelly Marry is a senior at the University of Arizona. She is majoring in journalism and minoring in public relations. She has loved to read and write for years and hopes to pursue a job in publishing after college. When she is not writing or reading, she loves going to concerts and visiting national parks.

Kelly Marry

Lead Social Media Manager & Writer
Natalie Hsu

Natalie Hsu is the current Social Media Co-lead for Pine Reads. She is a Japanese Language major and loves language-learning maybe a little bit too much, continuing her education in the Chinese, Korean, and ASL programs as well as pursuing her minor in English. Natalie has been an avid reader since childhood, and loves the feeling of being entirely immersed in a fantasy world for hours on end and experiencing adventures with different protagonists. In her free time, Natalie has been trained in the traditional Japanese dance arts, and aspires to discover what career she is best suited for.

Natalie Hsu

Lead Social Media Manager & Web
Emilee Ceuninck

Emilee Ceuninck is a junior at the University of Arizona majoring in psychology with minors in business administration and pre-law. Emilee is passionate about young adult literature, scouring out every new release. When she's not busy writing her own YA fantasy trilogy or thriller, she enjoys hiking, movies, and sunny weather. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in law and become a published author.

Emilee Ceuninck

Lead Writer & Editor
Rysi Koos

Rysi Koos (she/they) is a junior at the University of Arizona. She is a Creative Writing major with minors in Education and Japanese language. Rysi was an avid reader growing up, and as they grew older they began to expand their storytelling experiences to piano playing, vocal performance, stage acting, and writing. She has a passion for diverse and innovative stories from authors working against the status quo. She hopes to become a book editor in the future, or to work with kids to promote a love for storytelling.

Rysi Koos

Social Media
Charity Kinsella

Charity Kinsella is a University of Arizona senior, finishing her final year as an English major with a minor in Business. Having been a lover of books since a very young age, she continues to pursue her passion and wishes to keep the love of literature alive. While willing to experiment, her favorite genres include fantasy and dystopian. If asked where she would be 10 years from now, she would be working hard in her own bookstore, helping people of all ages find just the right story to fit their unique cravings.

Charity Kinsella

Editor
Francheska Quing

Francheska is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Linguistics with a minor in Professional and Technical Writing. She has always loved stories as a kid and has been an avid reader since she can remember. Aside from reading, she spends her free time either watching anime, playing with her pets, or studying a language. She hopes to pursue a career in editing post-graduation.

Francheska Quing

Editor
Danielle Francesconi

Danielle Francesconi (she/her) is a senior Honors student studying Film & Television, with a minor in Creative Writing. She hopes to pursue a career in screenwriting after graduating in May 2024. Her love for reading started at a young age, where she was most interested in dystopian series, and this interest quickly extended to storytelling on-screen. Her other interests include photography and spending time with her partner and cat.

Danielle Francesconi

Social Media & Writing
Kasey Taylor

Kasey Taylor is a recent graduate of the University of Arizona with BA in English and a Minor in Film/Television. Kasey is passionate about storytelling and is looking to explore a career in the film industry. When he is not watching movies, he enjoys reading science fiction and attending local events in Downtown Phoenix.

Kasey Taylor

Writer