About MeI became a writer after my fifth-grade teacher told me it was my destiny. Since then, I've read too many books (if there is such a thing) and explored worlds + read more far outside the reaches of my own. I hold a BA in psychology and two diplomas (one in public relations, the other in publishing), which allow me to write the day away while simultaneously psychoanalyzing my friends. I live in Langley, British Columbia, on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the Coast Salish Peoples. My debut novel, Skater Boy, was named a Kids’ Indie Next Pick by the American Booksellers Association and a ‘2024 Best Teen Book’ by Indigo-Chapters, Bookshop.org, and the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.


Pronouns: He/Him Show Less

My Work Contact Me

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You May Know Me For:

Literature Types
• Storytelling
• YA Fiction

Published WorksSkater Boy (Soho Teen)

In this YA pop punk debut about queer romance and destroying labels, a teen risks everything to write his own story. Perfect for fans of Sonora Reyes and Adib Khorram.

Stonebridge High’s resident bad boy, Wesley “Big Mac” Mackenzie, is failing senior year—thanks to his unchecked anger, rowdy friends, and a tendency to ditch his homework for skateboarding and a secret photography obsession. So when his mom drags him to a production of The Nutcracker, Wes isn’t interested at all . . . until he sees Tristan Monroe. Mr. Nutcracker himself.

Wes knows he shouldn’t like Tristan; after all, he’s a ballet dancer, and Wes is as closeted as they come. But when they start spending time together, Wes can’t seem to get Tristan out of his head. Driven by a new sense of purpose, Wes begins to think that maybe he can change for the better and graduate on time.

As a falling-out with his friends becomes inevitable, Wes realizes that being himself means taking a stand—and blowing up the bad-boy reputation he never wanted in the first place.

From a debut author to watch, Skater Boy delivers a heart-wrenching, validating, and honest story about what it means to be gay in a world where you don’t fit in.

I will visit:
• Vancouver
• Coast
• Lower Mainland
• Gulf and Vancouver Islands
• Thompson Okanagan
• Northern British Columbia
• Canada - beyond BC
• USA
• International
• Virtually

I Present to Age Groups:
• High School
• College / University / Adult

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Testimonials“An endearing and nuanced debut . . . Nerada portrays characters with caring complexity, + read more particularly Wes’ mother, and presents readers with multifaceted relationships. While Tristan encourages and challenges Wes, Wes’ character growth is, refreshingly, not dependent on their relationship, and healthy friendships are as central to the story as the boys’ romance.”
—Kirkus Reviews Show Less “A closeted teen navigates family trauma, first crushes, and messy friendships in Nerada’s + read more introspective debut . . . Nerada sensitively depicts the lingering effects of Wes’s father’s abuse, and how the trauma from those experiences informs his complicated relationship with himself and others, as well as with opening up.”
—Publishers Weekly Show Less “Nerada’s well-written, character-driven first novel is a compelling read with highly empathic + read more characters who will resonate with readers. Getting to know them keeps the pages turning to the satisfying ending.”
—Booklist

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Awards and Recognition:An Indigo Best Teen Book of 2024
Bookshop.org Best of YA Fiction for 2024
An ABA Kids’ + show more Indie Next Pick for March/April 2024
A Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Book for Teens
Indigo’s Most Anticipated Teen Books Show Less