Karina Yan Glaser is a bestselling children's fiction author, originally from California. She was drawn to New York City, where she attended college and has since remained for nearly twenty years. Growing up, Glaser had a fondness for New York City, a place she would later call home. Her writing career began when her uncle dared her to write a book, which led to the creation of the "Vanderbeekers" series.
In addition to her career as an author, Glaser has had a varied experience in education and literacy. She has worked as a teacher and has implemented literacy programs in family homeless shelters. Glaser has also recruited healthcare professionals to volunteer in under-resourced areas around the world. As a mother, one of her proudest achievements is raising two children who share her love of reading. She currently resides in Harlem with her husband, two daughters, and a menagerie of rescue animals.
Glaser's "Vanderbeekers" series includes "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street," "The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden," and "The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue," with books four and five in the works. Her books have been translated into twelve languages and have been optioned for film by Amy Poehler. In addition to writing, Glaser is a contributing editor for Book Riot and co-host of the Kidlit These Days podcast. She is an advocate for literacy and instilling a love of reading in children, a value she shares with the characters in her books.