Mitali Perkins

Mitali Perkins is a highly acclaimed author, best known for her Young Adult and Children’s novels that tackle contemporary themes. Perkins was born in Kolkata, India, where she spent her early years before moving to the United States. She had a peripatetic childhood, living in over five countries by the time she was eleven, including Mexico, London, Cameroon, Ghana, and India. Eventually, her family settled in California, and it was during this time that Perkins discovered the power of novels as a refuge from the challenges of being the new kid in school and navigating multiculturalism and identity issues.

Perkins' writing is informed by her diverse upbringing, and she has written numerous books for young readers, as well as some for adults. Some of her most notable works include "You Bring the Distant Near," which was nominated for the National Book Award, "Rickshaw Girl," a New York Public Library best 100 Book for children in the past 100 years, "Bamboo People," an American Library Association Top 10 YA novel, and "Forward Me Back to You," which won the South Asia Book Award for Younger Readers. Her most recent novel, "Hope in the Valley," received five starred reviews and was selected as a 2023 Best Book for Young Readers by Kirkus and Book Page.

Perkins' work has been recognized for its ability to explore complex themes in an accessible and engaging way for young readers. Her writing is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, and she has a unique ability to help young readers understand and navigate the complexities of the world around them. In addition to her novels, Perkins has also published a nonfiction book for adults, "Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children's Novels to Refresh our Tired Souls." She currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area and continues to write and publish books that resonate with readers of all ages.