About Crystal

Crystal Maldonado has more than 15 years of experience as a higher education communications leader, developing strategic communications plans, institutional messaging, executive communications, digital strategy, advancement communications, and storytelling across university and academic settings. Based in western Massachusetts, she specializes in web and digital communications, executive communications and strategy, sharp and incisive writing and editing, feature stories, social media content development, and photography.

Her writing has been published in Latina Magazine, Buzzfeed, Higher Ed Experts, and the Hartford Courant, while her social media content has appeared on accounts for UMass Amherst; Springfield College; High Five Books; Penguin Teen Canada; Indigo; Hip Latina; and Holiday House.

Throughout her career, she has interviewed and worked with high-profile individuals such as NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal; Def Jam Records creator Russell Simmons; and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project Gretchen Rubin. She has delivered numerous speeches and presentations, including the 2022 Quinnipiac University Commencement Address.

Her debut novel, FAT CHANCE, CHARLIE VEGA, was released from Holiday House in February 2021 to critical and commercial success. It was named Best YA Fiction of 2021 by Kirkus Reviews; a 2021 New England Book Award Winner; NPR Best Book of 2021; and an Amazon Best Children’s Book of 2021. Her follow-up young adult novels, NO FILTER AND OTHER LIES and THE FALL OF WHIT RIVERA, were both named Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections, while GET REAL, CHLOE TORRES earned a starred review from School Library Journal. She made her middle grade debut in 2024 with CAMP SYLVANIA: MOON MADNESS, which she co-authored with New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy. Maldonado’s books have been translated into Spanish, French, and Portuguese.

Aside from writing, Crystal loves books, libraries, glitter, and nostalgic 90s/Y2K vibes. Find her on Instagram @crystalwrote.