Aaron H. Aceves: A Conversation about This is Why They Hate Us [S7 EP. 264]

Listen to the full episode below:

We’re not exaggerating when we say this episode lit us up—in the best, most reflective, most “this is why we teach” kind of way. Talking with Aaron H. Aceves, author of This Is Why They Hate Us, reminded us just how powerful literature can be when it reflects real life. Aaron’s honesty about his own journey with identity, mental health, and coming to self-acceptance gave us all the feels and will challenge you to think about how you, as teachers, can bring that same honesty and vulnerability into your classrooms.

Aaron’s protagonist, Enrique, isn’t polished or perfect. He’s hilarious, flawed, deeply human—and our students see themselves in him. We talked about why that kind of representation is essential, especially in a world that doesn’t always welcome complexity. Aaron shared how withholding parts of his own story in the past created distance between him and his students, and how being open (even when it’s uncomfortable) can be the very thing that builds trust. It was a big, beautiful reminder that brave teaching starts with us being a little brave first.

We also talked about the hard stuff: the resistance, the censorship, the fear that comes with choosing inclusive stories. But Aaron was clear—books like his aren’t just stories; they’re lifelines. And we’re here for that. This episode is a love letter to teachers who are showing up, doing the work, and bringing voices like Aaron’s into their classrooms. We hope it inspires you as much as it inspired us.

topics discussed:

  • The rise and importance of contemporary, diverse voices in YA literature

  • Aaron’s inspiration and process for writing This Is Why They Hate Us 

  • The critical role of vulnerability and self-reflection for teachers in building inclusive, empathetic classroom environments where students feel safe to express themselves

  • The significance of offering diverse, representative literature in school libraries and classrooms to combat isolation and foster belonging for marginalized students

  • The one thing Aaron wants English teachers to know

resources:

Meet Aaron:

Aaron H. Aceves (he/him) is a bisexual, Mexican-American writer born and raised in East L.A. He graduated from Harvard College and received his MFA from Columbia University. His fiction has appeared in or is forthcoming from Passages North, Epiphany, and The Iowa Review, among other places.

He currently lives in Texas, where he served as an Early Career Provost Fellow at UT Austin, and his debut novel, This Is Why They Hate Us, was released by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. It received multiple starred reviews and was named a Best Young Adult Book of 2022 by Kirkus Reviews.

Connect with aaron:

More Camp BNT 2025 Episodes:

More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

Amanda Cardenasbook recommendations