Debut Author Jonathan Solis Breaks Barriers in YA Fantasy with Camp Supernatural: Mind Over Matter

[Rio Grande Valley, TX] — Rising YA author Jonathan Solis is redefining what it means to be human in his powerful debut novel, Camp Supernatural: Mind Over Matter—a genre-bending, emotionally rich story that fuses disability, identity, and supernatural ability with grounded character development and deeply personal themes.

Published by Esperanza Publishing, the 442-page novel introduces Lucas Fargo, a teenage boy whose disability gives rise to an unusual supernatural gift. The story unfolds at a camp designed for kids with similar “abilities,” but what’s truly transformative is its message: strength isn’t found in fixing what’s different—it’s in accepting it.

“I was inspired by characters like Daredevil, but I also wanted to push the conversation further,” Solis shares. “Disability isn’t something to be overcome—it’s part of who you are. I wanted to write a story that reflected that, especially for adolescents who rarely see themselves in fantasy worlds.”

Rewriting the Narrative on Disability and Identity

At the heart of Camp Supernatural is a powerful camp mantra: “Control it, so it doesn’t control you.” It’s more than a catchphrase—it’s a guiding principle for Lucas and other campers who must navigate internal battles as much as external ones.

Solis, who is neurodivergent and grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, draws deeply from his lived experiences. He is deliberate in his choice to explore identity without defining it by clinical terms.

“I wanted readers to see themselves in Lucas without reducing him to a diagnosis,” he says. “Disability in this story is not something to erase. It’s part of the journey.”

Authenticity, Representation, and the Power of Voice

Solis took care to avoid tropes or “superpower gimmicks,” emphasizing that these characters aren’t just vehicles for fantasy—they’re reflections of real people navigating real struggles.

“This isn’t X-Men. It’s not about ‘powers’—it’s about people,” he explains. “And I wrote each one to feel as naturally as possible. Their disabilities are not problems to fix—they’re truths to live with, learn from, and, yes, sometimes struggle through.”

A Groundbreaking Series in the Making

Mind Over Matter is the first in a planned five-book series. Future installments will tackle deeper emotional terrain as Solis aims to let the story evolve with its readers.

“Like the audience reading it, the story will grow up too,” Solis says. “I want it to be a cautionary tale in the best way—showing what happens when we run from ourselves, and what’s possible when we stop.”

Community-Driven Publishing and Reader Connections

Spearheaded by local publisher and fellow UTRGV alumni, Mark Esperanza, Esperanza Publishing was founded to amplify regional voices—and Solis’s debut stands as its flagship release.

At a live reading event, an attendee asked if LGBTQ+ characters would be part of future books. “Absolutely,” Solis replied. “Just like disability, queerness should be normalized in stories—shown without sensationalism or apology.”

Looking Ahead

The next installment in the Camp Supernatural series is planned for release by year’s end, and Solis is already at work refining new arcs, new characters, and deeper explorations of trauma and resilience.

“Right now, my heart is with Lucas and this world,” he says. “But I’d love to branch out into science fiction or medieval fantasy in the future. I want to tell stories that challenge people to think and feel more deeply—about themselves and others.”

For Aspiring Writers: “Be Unapologetically Yourself”

Solis’s final message to emerging authors, especially those with disabilities or from underrepresented communities, is a rallying cry:

“Be yourself—be your crazy, unapologetic self. Your voice is your power. Use it.”

You can buy a copy of his book at Barnes and Noble.