Reading lists and articles featuring Meg Medina

Meg Medina Biography

Meg Medina, born on December 7, 1963, is an acclaimed American author of children’s and young adult books. She was raised in Queens, New York, by her Cuban immigrant parents. Medina’s cultural background greatly influenced her writing, as she often explores themes of identity, family, and the immigrant experience in her works.

Medina attended St. John’s University in New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts. She later pursued a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Fordham University.

Medina’s writing career began in the late 1990s when she started writing picture books for children. Her debut picture book, “Tía Isa Wants a Car,” was published in 2011 and received critical acclaim. The book tells the story of a young girl’s determination to help her aunt buy a car, highlighting the importance of family and perseverance.

Since then, Medina has published numerous books for children and young adults, earning several prestigious awards and nominations. Her works often tackle important social issues, such as immigration, discrimination, and gender equality, while also providing relatable and empowering stories for young readers.

One of Medina’s most notable works is the young adult novel “Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass,” published in 2013. The book explores the themes of bullying and self-acceptance through the story of a teenage girl who becomes the target of a bully at her new school. The novel received widespread acclaim and won the Pura Belpré Author Award.

Another significant work by Medina is the middle-grade novel “Merci Suárez Changes Gears,” published in 2018. The book follows the life of Merci Suárez, a young girl navigating the challenges of middle school while dealing with her grandfather’s declining health. This heartfelt story won the prestigious John Newbery Medal, recognizing it as the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

Medina’s works have had a significant impact on young readers and the literary community. Her books provide diverse representation and address important social issues, allowing readers to connect with characters from various backgrounds and experiences.

Throughout her career, Medina has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to children’s and young adult literature. In addition to the Pura Belpré Author Award and the John Newbery Medal, she has been recognized with the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award and the Charlotte Zolotow Award, among others.