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I write multicultural middle grade fiction for Candlewick and Viking. Although I’m white, my protagonists are Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Native American, Chinese, Italian,and even from Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe. Partly I write about other cultures because my husband is Thai and we have two Thai daughters. Partly I do so because I was born in Mexico and lived there as a child and adult. In order to authenticate my writing, I often work with collaborators from the cultures I write about. My collaborators include a Vietnamese monk, my cousin who grew up on a Mission, my husband, a former co-teacher, and friends. I also love to paint and dance. I used to be a teacher but left the profession in order to pursue my writing full time. I've just finished two new chapter books-- one set in Baghdad and one in Chiapas, Mexico. My newest project is a young adult novel set in 16th century Thailand.

I write multicultural middle grade fiction for Candlewick and Viking. Although I’m white, my protagonists are Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Native American, Chinese, Italian,and even from Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe. Partly I write about other cultures because my husband is Thai and we have two Thai daughters. Partly I do so because I was born in Mexico and lived there as a child and adult. In... More