Picture a Japanese American storyteller who spun a heartfelt queer romance into a celebrated YA novel—meet Misa Sugiura! Born in Chicago and now crafting tales under a giant oak tree in Silicon Valley, Sugiura has become a vibrant voice in Young Adult literature. Her debut, It’s Not Like It’s a Secret, captured hearts with its authentic characters and universal themes of love, identity, and family, earning her a dedicated following among teens and beyond.
With a knack for blending humor, drama, and cultural nuance, Sugiura’s stories resonate with readers navigating the messy, beautiful chaos of adolescence. Her journey from high school English teacher to award-winning author is as inspiring as her books, proving it’s never too late to chase a creative dream.
The Making of Misa Sugiura
Born in Chicago and raised in Northfield, Illinois, Misa Sugiura grew up in a world shaped by her Japanese immigrant parents and the suburban Midwest. Her diverse heritage—ancestors include a poet, priestess, samurai, and stowaway—infused her with a rich storytelling instinct. After earning a B.A. in English from Princeton, she taught English as a second language in Japan, an experience that deepened her cultural perspective. Back in the U.S., she earned an M.Ed. from Stanford and taught high school English in Silicon Valley, honing her understanding of teens’ struggles and dreams. As a stay-at-home mom, she began writing, channeling her insights into stories that speak directly to young readers.
Misa Sugiura’s Unforgettable Stories
Sugiura’s debut, It’s Not Like It’s a Secret (2017), follows Sana Kiyohara, a Japanese American teen grappling with her father’s possible affair and her own crush on her best friend. This queer coming-of-age tale, lauded for its drama and vitality, won the Asian/Pacific American Award for YA Literature and landed on YALSA’s 2018 Best Fiction list. Kirkus Reviews called it 'well-paced, brimming with drama, and utterly vital,' praising its exploration of race, sexuality, and family.
Her sophomore novel, This Time Will Be Different (2019), dives into family history and activism, as CJ Katsuyama fights to save her family’s flower shop tied to Japanese American internment. It earned spots on Best of 2019 lists from YALSA, Kirkus, and the New York Public Library. Love & Other Natural Disasters (2021) is a rom-com delight, blending fake dating and queer romance with poignant family dynamics, hailed as 'hilariously awkward' by the American Library Association. Sugiura’s middle-grade debut, Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind (2023), weaves Japanese mythology into a thrilling fantasy, showcasing her versatility.
Sugiura’s style is conversational yet profound, tackling identity, racism, and love with humor and heart. Her characters—often Asian American teens—navigate universal struggles while celebrating their cultural roots, making her work both relatable and revelatory.
Why Misa Sugiura Matters
Misa Sugiura’s impact lies in her ability to center Asian American and queer voices in YA literature, offering representation that resonates deeply with marginalized readers. Her stories challenge stereotypes, portraying Asian teens as proud, complex, and multifaceted, not just 'model minorities.' By weaving cultural specificity into universal themes, she bridges gaps for readers of all backgrounds. Her awards and critical acclaim underscore her role as a trailblazer, inspiring a new generation of diverse storytellers.
As a former teacher, Sugiura understands teens’ inner worlds, making her books a beacon for young readers seeking validation and joy. Her growing body of work continues to shape YA literature, proving that stories of identity and love are always worth telling.
- Born: Chicago, Illinois
- Key Works: It’s Not Like It’s a Secret, This Time Will Be Different, Love & Other Natural Disasters, Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind
- Awards: Asian/Pacific American Award for YA Literature (2017), YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults (2018)
- Fun Fact: Lives with a gray-banded king snake!
Snag It’s Not Like It’s a Secret and dive into Misa Sugiura’s heartfelt, vibrant world of YA storytelling!