Picture a Cuban-American storyteller weaving tales of strong Latina girls navigating life’s ups and downs—meet Meg Medina! With her lyrical prose and heartfelt narratives, Medina has become a beacon in children’s and young adult literature, celebrating Latino culture while tackling universal themes. Her award-winning books, like Merci Suárez Changes Gears and Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, have captivated readers and earned her a spot as the 2023–2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.
Born to Cuban immigrants, Medina’s stories pulse with the vibrancy of her heritage, drawing from her childhood in the diverse melting pot of Queens, New York. Her work isn’t just about storytelling—it’s about giving voice to young people who rarely see themselves in books.
The Making of Meg Medina
Meg Medina grew up in Flushing, Queens, surrounded by a colorful tapestry of cultures—Cuban, Colombian, Greek, and more. Her parents, Lidia and Juan Medina, fled Cuba in the 1960s, and after their separation, Meg and her sister were raised by their mother in a tight-knit, multigenerational household. These early experiences of immigration, family ties, and cultural blending became the heartbeat of her writing. After a brief stint as an editorial assistant at Simon & Schuster, Medina spent a decade teaching in New York City and Florida schools, where she saw firsthand the power of stories to connect with young readers.
Her pivot to writing began with freelance journalism, but it was her move to Richmond, Virginia, in 1998 that sparked her focus on fiction. Her debut novel, Milagros: Girl from Away, hit shelves in 2008, marking the start of a career dedicated to authentic, diverse voices.
Meg Medina’s Unforgettable Stories
Medina’s books are a love letter to Latino culture, wrapped in stories that resonate with readers of all backgrounds. Her young adult novel Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass (2013) follows Piddy Sanchez as she faces bullying with grit and grace, earning the prestigious Pura Belpré Award. The book’s raw honesty and vivid characters make it a standout, and it’s even being adapted into a graphic novel.
Her middle-grade masterpiece, Merci Suárez Changes Gears (2018), won the 2019 Newbery Medal for its tender portrayal of Merci, a Cuban-American girl navigating family dynamics and her grandfather’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The trilogy, including Merci Suárez Can’t Dance and Merci Suárez Plays It Cool, blends humor and heart, earning critical acclaim. Medina’s picture books, like Mango, Abuela, and Me, explore intergenerational bonds with warmth, while Burn Baby Burn (2016) dives into 1970s New York, weaving feminism and suspense into a gripping historical YA novel.
Medina’s style is lyrical yet accessible, with strong female protagonists who face tough circumstances—immigration, identity, financial struggles—with resilience. Her stories bridge cultural specifics and universal truths, making them must-reads for young and old alike.
Why Meg Medina Matters
As a founding member of We Need Diverse Books, Medina has been a fierce advocate for representation in children’s literature, pushing for more Latinx authors and stories. Her role as National Ambassador saw her launch Cuéntame!: Let’s Talk Books, a platform encouraging families and communities to share stories that reflect their lives. Her work amplifies marginalized voices, fostering empathy and pride in Latino youth while inviting all readers to see the world through new eyes.
Medina’s impact extends beyond the page. Through community projects supporting girls, Latino youth, and literacy, she’s nurturing the next generation of storytellers. Her awards, from the Newbery to the Ezra Jack Keats, underscore her influence, but it’s her ability to make every reader feel seen that truly defines her legacy.
About Meg Medina
- Born: To Cuban immigrant parents in Queens, New York
- Key Works: Merci Suárez Changes Gears, Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, Burn Baby Burn
- Awards: 2019 Newbery Medal, 2014 Pura Belpré Award, 2012 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award
- Role: 2023–2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
Snag Merci Suárez Changes Gears and dive into Meg Medina’s heartfelt world of family, culture, and resilience!