Deficient
at Writers & Books (740 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607)
and available in a virtual livestream
Michael Solis will be joined by sci-fi author Craig Rooney
Join us for a celebration of the re-release of Deficient, by Michael Solis.
Alé Aragón isn’t like the other kids at school. He can’t fly, read minds, or turn invisible like the genetically accelerated majority. As a powerless Deficient, Alé’s reality is one of constant ridicule—tormented by bullies, scorned by his brothers, and barely tolerated by his father.
His greatest refuge is his best friend, Yalamba, an outspoken artist whose drawings come to life. But when Yalamba vanishes in an ability-related hate crime, Alé is the prime suspect. Desperate to find her and clear his name, he teams up with fellow outcasts to uncover the truth. As they dig deeper, they realize Yalamba’s disappearance is linked to a series of unsolved murders targeting the extraordinarily gifted.
With danger closing in, Alé must confront his deepest fears and insecurities to solve the mystery and rescue Yalamba before it’s too late. And he’ll have to do it all without an ability of his own.
Michael Solis (pronounced SOH-lees) is the author of the YA sci-fi novel Deficient, winner of a Reviewers’ Choice Award from YADudeBooks and nominee for the Pushcart Prize, the Stonewall Book Award, and the PEN/Hemingway Award. He serves as Executive Director of Writers & Books, a literary arts nonprofit and independent bookstore in Rochester, NY, and is an active member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA), where he co-chairs the MG/YA Committee.
For nearly two decades, Michael worked in development and humanitarian action across Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Latin America. A graduate of Princeton University, he also holds master’s degrees in Human Rights Law and Gender Studies.
Drawing from his queer identity and global humanitarian work, Michael’s stories explore power, belonging, and transformation. Beyond the page, he enjoys teaching yoga and creating spaces where people can connect through story.
Michael also shares essays and reflections on writing, creativity, and life on his Substack, Journeys & Words.
Buy your books at Ampersand and join the conversation!
This event is hybrid. It will take place in-person at Writers & Books and will be livestreamed on Zoom.
When you reserve your ticket today, a link to the Zoom livestream will be sent to you.
Though we hope you can join us in-person, the virtual link is there if you need it!
Choose the ticket price that’s right for you: Free, $5, $10, $15 or $20
