I'll Be the One

Lyla Lee is the author of I'll Be the One and the Mindy Kim series for younger readers. Born in South Korea, she's since lived in various cities throughout the United States. Inspired by her English teacher, she started writing her own stories in fourth grade and finished her first novel at the age of fourteen. After studying psychology and cinematic arts at the University of Southern California and working in Hollywood, Lyla now lives in Dallas, Texas. When she's not writing, she is petting cute dogs and searching for the perfect bowl of shaved ice. You can visit her at www.lylaleebooks.com.

"Skye's strength and talent make her an inspiration to K-pop-loving teens everywhere-including those in real life. Lee's YA debut slathers on all the juicy drama, high emotion, and kick-ass performances you'd expect from a K-pop talent competition but also has quieter moments where true friendships and a swoony romance develop... A fresh perspective on body image and K-pop? Jjang!"
- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"This rom-com is everything it needs to be...filled with a sweet new romance and starring a heroine to root for. Lee finds a spot alongside Jenny Han and Stacey Lee in representing the diversity of Asian American experiences. A joyful protagonist who speaks to Generation Z." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"Lee's debut whips up intense Dumplin' vibes with a main character you want to reach into the pages for and honestly just hug for hours...[The] story is strong, punctuated by moments of cheering triumph as Skye dismantles her emotional trauma. Readers looking for positive role models will gravitate to Skye's story, which will resonate with girls of every size." - ALA Booklist

"Charming, romantic, and empowering. A remarkable gem of a novel that celebrates following your dreams and staying true to yourself." - Robyn Schneider, author of The Beginning of Everything and Extraordinary Means

"An absolute delight. Full of messages about self-love and following your dreams, I'll Be the One is equal parts adorable and inspiring. Lyla Lee has crafted such a refreshing main character with Skye, whose charming confidence made me root for her from the very first page." - Akemi Dawn Bowman, author of Morris Award Finalist Starfish

"I'll Be the One delivers on all dimensions: a swoony ship, body positivity, a complex mother-daughter relationship, and a realistic, relatable protagonist readers will root for!" -