5 Up & Coming Latin American Authors in 2016

Like Paulo Coelho, Gabriel García Márquez and Che Guevarra, many promising Latino authors are trying their luck in expressing their culture, thoughts, and opinion through literature.

Some of them -- like "The Selection" series author Kiera Cass -- have already caught the attention of enthusiasts and critics with their portrayal of passion and struggle.

While most readers may not have heard of some of them, it is important to note that being new in the industry does not mean one cannot contribute something bigger than the rest.

Because of this, Latino Stories have made it a point to list down some of the best up and coming Latino authors at the beginning of each year, introducing their most valuable literary works.

On top of this year's list is Kirstin Valdes Quade, who penned "Night at the Fiestas: Stories," a collection of stories that portray life in northern New Mexico that is shaped by 'love, loss and violence.'

Described by Latino Stories as a "masterful" work of art, Quade's stories captivate readers.

Another Latino writer with very high potential in the literary world is Andi Teran, who wrote "Ana of California."

According to Latino Stories, this is Teran's version of the classic story "Anne of Green Gables," which encompasses a contemporary twist that earned her a positive review from New York Times bestselling author Emma Straub.

Teran's debut novel follows the story of Ana, the 15-year-old orphan who is forced to leave East Los Angeles to enter a farm trainee program in Northern California. This is after she blew her chance to get adopted by a foster family.

One more Latina to earn a spot on the list is Cuban writer and biographer Alina García-Lapuerta for her well-researched biographic tale, "La Belle Creole: The Cuban Countess Who Captured Havana, Madrid, and Paris."

This story describes what it is like to be a Cuban aristocrat during the Peninsular War.

In her own way, García-Lapuerta depicted what it was like to be a woman with her own mind amidst colonial Cuba, Napoleonic Spain and Parisian society by walking the footsteps of "la Belle Créole."

Bronx-raised Adam Silvera makes it to the top 5 most anticipated Latino writers, thanks to his young adult novel "More Happy Than Not."

This New York Times best-selling book not only earned him cash for a living, but also commendations and stellar reviews from critics for his narrative on sexual identity and being truly happy.

Last but not least on the list is former reporter Claudia Meléndez, who first crossed into the world of fiction with her debut novel, "A Fighting Chance."

This young adult novel was inspired by a 2006 debate in the city of Salinas in Monterey country on whether or not libraries and community centers should be closed to cut back on the local government's expenses. It is written in a way that will surely captivate young adults.