Chaz Hayden is a YA author and disability awareness advocate. His works include the 2024 release of Diet Soda Club and his 2022 debut novel The First Thing About You. He focuses on contemporary themes, highlighting the experiences of disabled characters. The First Thing About You tells the story of Harris, a high school student with spinal muscular atrophy, who is determined to reinvent himself after moving from California to New Jersey. Armed with his favorite getting-to-know-you question, “What’s your favorite color?”, Harris navigates new friendships and challenges, offering readers a candid and humorous look into the life of a teenager with a disability. Chaz’s storytelling is deeply rooted in his passion for authentic portrayals, aiming to provide a voice for underrepresented communities in media. The First Thing About You was named a Bank Street College Best Young Adult Book of the Year, 2023 Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Titles, 2023-2024 North Star YA Award nominee, 2024 Oklahoma Library Association High School Sequoyah Award nominee, and a PEOPLE Magazine’s Must-Reads for Fall 2022.

Beyond his writing, Chaz is a dedicated content creator, using platforms like Instagram and YouTube to share insights on wheelchair accessibility and advocate for inclusivity through his series Front Row with Chaz. His videos not only raise awareness but also offer practical advice for navigating various environments. His multifaceted approach to advocacy and storytelling enables Chaz to do what he loves, connect with readers and their communities.