Picture a storyteller who weaves tales of heartbreak, hope, and identity with a pen dipped in empathy—meet Jasmine Warga! Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, this American author has carved a niche in Young Adult and middle-grade literature, capturing hearts with her poignant prose and relatable characters. From tackling tough topics like depression to celebrating cultural identity, Warga’s stories resonate with readers worldwide.
The Making of Jasmine Warga
Jasmine Warga was born on April 24, 1988, to an American mother and a Jordanian immigrant father, growing up in a blend of cultures that shaped her storytelling. Raised in Cincinnati, she was a book-loving kid who found solace in stories, especially as a self-described 'lonely, outcast' child. After earning a history and art history degree from Northwestern University and an MFA in creative writing from Lesley University, Warga briefly taught sixth-grade science in Texas. It was there, amidst lesson plans, that she began penning her first novel, inspired by the loss of a close friend.
Jasmine Warga’s Unforgettable Stories
Warga’s debut, My Heart and Other Black Holes (2015), is a raw, moving tale of two teens grappling with depression and suicidal thoughts, earning praise for its honest portrayal of mental health. Her follow-up, Here We Are Now (2017), explores family secrets and identity through a teen’s unexpected connection with her rock-star father. Warga’s middle-grade novel Other Words for Home (2019), a free-verse story about a Syrian refugee in Ohio, won a Newbery Honor and captured readers with its lyrical exploration of belonging. Her 2022 novel, A Rover’s Story, a #1 New York Times bestseller, imagines a Mars rover with human-like emotions, inspired by her daughter’s question about a robot’s feelings. Warga’s style—lyrical, empathetic, and unflinchingly honest—tackles themes of grief, cultural identity, and resilience, making her a standout in contemporary fiction.
Her works often draw from her Jordanian-American heritage, weaving immigrant experiences into universal stories of finding home. Whether writing for teens or younger readers, Warga’s ability to craft characters who feel like friends sets her apart. Her books have been translated into over 25 languages, cementing her global appeal.
Why Jasmine Warga Matters
Jasmine Warga’s impact lies in her ability to give voice to the marginalized—whether it’s a Muslim teen navigating identity or a child processing grief. Her stories foster empathy, encouraging young readers to embrace their own narratives and understand others’. Awards like the Newbery Honor and recognition from NPR and The Washington Post highlight her influence. For Arab-American and Muslim kids, Warga’s books are a mirror, showing their stories matter, while her school visits inspire future storytellers. In a world craving connection, Warga’s words build bridges.
- Birth Date: April 24, 1988
- Key Works: My Heart and Other Black Holes, Other Words for Home, A Rover’s Story
- Awards: Newbery Honor, Walter Honor, Charlotte Huck Honor
- Fun Fact: Warga loves Graeter’s black raspberry chip ice cream from her Cincinnati roots!
Snag Other Words for Home or A Rover’s Story and dive into Jasmine Warga’s heartfelt world of stories that linger long after the last page!