Picture a Michigan-born storyteller who spins tales of Chinese mythology and high-stakes academic drama—meet Katie Zhao! With her knack for crafting vibrant middle-grade fantasies and gripping young adult thrillers, Zhao has carved a unique space in literature. Her journey from scribbling stories in journals to becoming a published novelist is as enchanting as the worlds she creates.
The Making of Katie Zhao
Born and raised in Michigan, Katie Zhao grew up in a world where books and writing journals were her best companions. With a limited Asian American community around her, she often felt like an outsider, grappling with her identity. This fueled her passion for storytelling, as she dreamed of creating heroes who looked like her. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a BA in English and a Master’s in Accounting, Zhao juggled a corporate job before taking a leap of faith. In 2019, she moved to New York City, signing with Bloomsbury and launching her literary career with a spark of determination.
Katie Zhao’s Unforgettable Stories
Zhao’s debut, The Dragon Warrior, is a middle-grade fantasy steeped in Chinese mythology, following Faryn Liu, a 12-year-old chosen as the Heaven Breaker to battle demons. Its sequel, The Fallen Hero, dives deeper into Faryn’s quest through the Chinese Underworld, blending humor, heart, and adventure. Critics, like J.C. Cervantes, praise its exhilarating mix of magic and loyalty, perfect for fans of Rick Riordan. Switching gears, Zhao’s young adult thriller How We Fall Apart explores dark academia, unraveling a murder mystery among Asian American teens at an elite prep school. Themes of academic pressure and the model minority myth shine through, earning it comparisons to Gossip Girl. Her Winnie Zeng series brings lighthearted middle-grade fun, blending magic and mooncakes. Zhao’s style weaves humor, cultural richness, and complex characters, making her stories resonate across ages.
Her versatility shines in her ability to shift from playful middle-grade to gritty young adult narratives. Inspired by her love for Percy Jackson and Journey to the West, Zhao infuses her work with Chinese diaspora experiences, creating authentic representation that speaks to readers who rarely see themselves as heroes.
Why Katie Zhao Matters
Katie Zhao is a trailblazer in the #OwnVoices movement, amplifying Asian American stories in a landscape where such voices are still underrepresented. Her work addresses identity, systemic racism, and the sacrifices of immigrant families, resonating deeply with young readers. By centering Chinese mythology and diaspora experiences, she empowers kids to embrace their heritage. Zhao’s advocacy for diverse representation, coupled with her mentorship in programs like Author Mentor Match, cements her as a vital voice in children’s and young adult literature.
About Katie Zhao
- Born: 1986, Hong Kong
- Key Works: The Dragon Warrior (2019), How We Fall Apart (2021), Winnie Zeng series
- Education: University of Michigan (BA English, Master’s in Accounting)
- Hobbies: Singing, exploring New York City restaurants
Ready to dive into a world of dragons, mysteries, and mooncakes? Grab The Dragon Warrior or How We Fall Apart and lose yourself in Katie Zhao’s magical storytelling!