Picture an American storyteller who weaves whimsy, heart, and unflinching truth into tales for kids and teens—meet Maggie Tokuda-Hall! With a knack for crafting stories that dance between playful picture books and gritty young adult novels, she’s captured readers with her vibrant narratives and bold themes. From queer pirates to Japanese American love stories, her work is a celebration of identity, resilience, and imagination.
Born in 1984, Maggie Tokuda-Hall has become a standout voice in contemporary children’s and YA literature, earning accolades like the Parent’s Choice Gold Award for her quirky picture book Also an Octopus. Her stories don’t just entertain—they challenge, inspire, and invite readers to see the world through new lenses. Let’s dive into her journey and the magic she creates.
The Making of Maggie Tokuda-Hall
Growing up in California, Maggie was surrounded by storytellers—her mother, Wendy Tokuda, a television journalist, and her father, Richard Hall, a TV producer. Raised in her father’s Jewish faith, she soaked up influences from comic books, Goosebumps, and Octavia Butler’s profound works. After earning a BA in Studio Art from Scripps College and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of San Francisco, Maggie found her calling in children’s literature. Her early career as a bookseller and creative writing tutor sparked a passion for connecting with young readers, shaping her path as an author.
Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s Unforgettable Stories
Maggie’s debut picture book, Also an Octopus (2016), illustrated by Benji Davies, is a whimsical crash course in storytelling, following an octopus dreaming of space travel. Critics praised its playful narrative and vibrant art, earning it a spot on Bank Street College’s best children’s books list. Her YA novel, The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea (2020), is a queer fantasy inspired by a young reader craving inclusive stories. Set in a colonial world, it explores identity, power, and love through a pirate and an imperial daughter’s journey.
Love in the Library (2022), illustrated by Yas Imamura, is a tender picture book based on her grandparents’ romance in Minidoka, a Japanese American incarceration camp during WWII. Its poignant storytelling highlights hope amid injustice. Meanwhile, Squad (2021), a graphic novel illustrated by Lisa Sterle, blends dark humor with werewolf teens tackling predatory behavior, showcasing Maggie’s fearless take on social issues. Her writing—whimsical yet incisive—tackles themes like colonialism, misogyny, and racism with emotional depth.
Why Maggie Tokuda-Hall Matters
Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s impact lies in her courage to tell truthful stories. By centering marginalized voices—queer teens, Japanese Americans, and morally complex characters—she creates space for readers to feel seen. Her refusal to censor Love in the Library’s author’s note, which called out racism, sparked national conversations about publishing ethics, cementing her as a leader in Authors Against Book Bans. Her work challenges young readers to question power structures while embracing their identities, making her a vital voice in literature.
- Born: 1984, California
- Key Works: Also an Octopus, The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea, Love in the Library, Squad
- Awards: Parent’s Choice Gold Award, Northern California Book Award
- Fun Fact: She lives in Oakland with her husband, children, and “objectively perfect” dog!
Snag Love in the Library or The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea and dive into Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s enchanting, thought-provoking world!