Picture a Thai-Texan storyteller who spins magical tales with a dash of science—meet Christina Soontornvat! This award-winning children’s author blends her unique heritage and STEM background to create stories that spark curiosity and wonder in young readers. From princesses with icy powers to daring cave rescues, her books are as vibrant as her journey from a small-town restaurant to literary stardom.
The Making of Christina Soontornvat
Born in 1980 in Weatherford, Texas, Christina grew up behind the counter of her parents’ Thai restaurant, her nose buried in books. Her Thai-Texan roots shaped her love for storytelling, inspired by family tales from Bangkok and Texas. With a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Trinity University and a Master’s in Science Education from UT Austin, she spent a decade designing science museum exhibits, igniting kids’ passion for STEM. This blend of science and storytelling set the stage for her writing career, which began in her 30s when she started crafting tales for her own children.
Christina Soontornvat’s Unforgettable Stories
Christina’s books are a delightful mix of fantasy, nonfiction, and STEM-infused adventures. Her Diary of an Ice Princess series follows Princess Lina, a wind-taming royal who navigates regular school while mastering her icy powers. These chapter books weave science concepts like weather and physics into fun, relatable stories, perfect for young readers. Her middle-grade novel A Wish in the Dark, a Thai-inspired twist on Les Misérables, earned a 2021 Newbery Honor for its lush world-building and themes of compassion. Equally gripping, All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team also won a 2021 Newbery Honor, blending suspense and cultural insight to recount the 2018 Tham Luang rescue. Her 2022 novel The Last Mapmaker, another Newbery Honor winner, sails through a Thai-inspired fantasy world, exploring identity and ambition.
Christina’s writing sparkles with vivid settings, heartfelt characters, and a knack for making complex ideas accessible. Her Thai heritage infuses her stories with authentic cultural details, while her STEM background adds a layer of curiosity-driven problem-solving. Whether it’s a magical cloud palace or a real-life cave rescue, her narratives inspire kids to dream big and think critically.
Why Christina Soontornvat Matters
Christina Soontornvat’s impact lies in her ability to bridge cultures and disciplines. Her stories celebrate Thai heritage while resonating with universal themes, offering representation for Asian American kids and inviting all readers into her worlds. By embedding STEM concepts in her fiction, she encourages young minds to explore science through imagination, making learning feel like an adventure. Her three Newbery Honors and the 2021 Kirkus Prize for All Thirteen cement her as a powerhouse in children’s literature, inspiring a new generation to embrace both creativity and curiosity.
- Born: 1980 in Weatherford, Texas
- Key Works: Diary of an Ice Princess, A Wish in the Dark, All Thirteen, The Last Mapmaker
- Awards: Three Newbery Honors, 2021 Kirkus Prize
- Fun Fact: She once dreamed of working for NASA!
Ready to dive into a world of magic and science? Snag Diary of an Ice Princess or A Wish in the Dark and discover Christina Soontornvat’s enchanting stories!