Jean Kwok is an acclaimed author, known for her international and New York Times bestselling novels. Her work has been published in over twenty countries and has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. These include the American Library Association Alex Award, the Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book Award, and the Sunday Times Short Story Award international shortlist. Kwok's writing has also been featured in an original, authorized Miss Marple story for the collection Marple: Twelve New Mysteries.
Born in Hong Kong, Kwok was the youngest of seven siblings and recalls a childhood full of energy and imagination. She immigrated to Brooklyn with her family when she was five years old, where she worked in a Chinatown clothing factory for much of her childhood. Kwok's experiences during this time would later serve as inspiration for her writing.
Kwok's education includes a bachelor's degree from Harvard University and a Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University. She is a highly respected author, with her work being taught in high schools, colleges, and universities across the world. In addition to her writing, Kwok is also an active member of the literary community, maintaining a presence on various social media platforms. She currently divides her time between the Netherlands and New York City.