Picture a storyteller who spun the chaos of the 1918 Influenza Epidemic into a gripping tale of courage—meet Makiia Lucier! This Pacific Islander author, now calling Raleigh, North Carolina home, has enchanted young adult readers with her historical fiction. Her debut novel, A Death-Struck Year, blends meticulous research with heartfelt storytelling, making history feel as vivid as today’s headlines.
Born on Saipan and raised on Guam, Lucier’s island roots and love for books shape her unique voice. From her early days harassing her mom for library trips to crafting award-nominated novels, she’s a rising star who brings the past to life with a modern, relatable twist.
The Making of Makiia Lucier
Growing up on Guam, Makiia Lucier devoured stories, fueled by a childhood love for adventure tales like Indiana Jones. Her single mother worked midnight shifts, so young Makiia found solace in books, sparking a lifelong passion. She earned a journalism degree from the University of Oregon and later a master’s in library studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, specializing in children’s literature. When a move to a small Idaho town left her without library jobs, she turned to writing, armed with just a notebook and a pencil. That leap of faith birthed her first novel, proving her knack for turning personal pivots into creative triumphs.
Makiia Lucier’s Unforgettable Stories
Lucier’s debut, A Death-Struck Year (2014), follows 17-year-old Cleo Berry, a Portland teen volunteering for the Red Cross during the Spanish Influenza. Critics like Publishers Weekly call it “powerful and disturbing,” praising its vivid depiction of a city under siege. The novel’s gritty realism and Cleo’s coming-of-age journey earned it a spot as a finalist for Germany’s top book prize and Japan’s Sakura Medal.
Her second work, Isle of Blood and Stone (2018), shifts to fantasy, inspired by old maps and Lucier’s Guam upbringing. It follows a mapmaker unraveling a royal mystery, with Easter eggs like “Marinus Road” nodding to Guam’s Marine Corps Drive. Year of the Reaper (2021) and Dragonfruit weave history and mythology, showcasing Lucier’s versatility. Her style—rich, immersive, and unflinchingly honest—captures the resilience of youth against epic backdrops, earning her a loyal YA following.
Lucier’s stories don’t shy away from tough themes like loss and sacrifice but balance them with hope and subtle romance. Her research shines, grounding fantastical plots in historical truths, while her Pacific Islander perspective adds a fresh lens to YA literature.
Why Makiia Lucier Matters
Makiia Lucier’s work resonates because it bridges eras, making history accessible to teens navigating their own uncertainties. Her novels, celebrated on lists like the American Library Association’s Best Fiction for Young Adults, inspire empathy and courage. As a Pacific Islander author, she brings underrepresented voices to YA, enriching the genre with her island-inspired storytelling. From Portland’s flu-ravaged streets to mythical islands, Lucier’s worlds remind readers that heroism often lies in ordinary acts of bravery.
- Born: Saipan, raised in Guam
- Key Works: A Death-Struck Year, Isle of Blood and Stone, Year of the Reaper, Dragonfruit
- Awards: Finalist for Germany’s top book prize, Sakura Medal nominee
- Fun Fact: Her love for old maps inspired Isle of Blood and Stone’s setting
Snag A Death-Struck Year and dive into Makiia Lucier’s gripping historical fiction! Her stories will pull you into the past and leave you cheering for her fearless heroines.