Picture a Japanese American storyteller who turned words into worlds of magic and history—meet Traci Chee! A New York Times bestselling author, Chee crafts young adult fiction that pulses with adventure, heart, and the transformative power of storytelling. From her spellbinding Sea of Ink and Gold trilogy to the poignant We Are Not Free, her books invite readers to explore literacy, identity, and resilience in ways that linger long after the last page.
Raised in a small California town with more cows than people, Chee’s love for books and art shaped her into a word geek with a knack for weaving intricate narratives. Now a celebrated voice in young adult literature, she continues to draw inspiration from nature, community, and her Japanese American heritage, creating stories that resonate with readers worldwide.
The Making of Traci Chee
Traci Chee grew up in a rural California setting, surrounded by open spaces that fueled her imagination. Her passion for storytelling led her to study literature and creative writing at the University of California, Santa Cruz, followed by a Master of Arts from San Francisco State University. After graduate school, Chee took a leap into the literary world through The Pitch Wars, a contest that paired her with mentor Renée Ahdieh. This opportunity secured her a literary agent and a publishing deal with Putnam for her debut novel, The Reader, launching her career as a young adult author.
A self-described lover of book arts, poetry, and paper crafts, Chee’s creative spirit extends beyond writing. She dabbles in egg painting, gardening, and hosting game nights, infusing her life with the same vibrancy that colors her stories. Her Japanese American roots and connection to nature continue to influence her work, grounding her fantastical tales in real-world depth.
Traci Chee’s Unforgettable Stories
Chee’s debut, The Reader (2016), kicked off the Sea of Ink and Gold trilogy, a fantasy series set in a world where books and reading are forbidden. Following Sefia, a girl uncovering the secrets of a mysterious book, the trilogy blends intricate world-building, ciphers, and a story-within-a-story, earning praise for its innovative narrative and lush prose. Its sequels, The Speaker (2017) and The Storyteller (2018), deepened the saga’s exploration of literacy’s power.
In 2020, Chee shifted gears with We Are Not Free, a historical fiction novel that chronicles the lives of Japanese American teenagers during World War II internment. Inspired by her family’s experiences and interviews with relatives, the book captures the resilience and heartbreak of the Nisei generation. It won a Printz Honor, was a National Book Award finalist, and was named one of TIME’s 100 Best YA Books of All Time. A Thousand Steps into Night (2022), a Japanese-inspired fantasy, follows Miuko, a cursed girl on a quest for freedom, blending adventure with sharp social commentary on sexism. Her latest, Kindling (2024), reimagines Seven Samurai in a YA fantasy setting, earning accolades as a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize.
Chee’s writing style is a tapestry of vivid imagery, diverse characters, and themes of empowerment. Whether crafting fantastical realms or historical narratives, she invites readers to question societal norms and embrace their own stories, making her work both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why Traci Chee Matters
Traci Chee’s impact on young adult fiction lies in her ability to blend genres and cultures, creating stories that speak to diverse readers. Her exploration of literacy as a form of magic in the Sea of Ink and Gold trilogy resonates with book lovers, while We Are Not Free sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of American history, amplifying Japanese American voices. Her work challenges readers to confront injustice and celebrate resilience, earning her a devoted following and critical acclaim.
As a faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno’s MFA program, Chee mentors aspiring writers, passing on her passion for storytelling. Her unique perspective as a fourth-generation Japanese American enriches the YA landscape, making her a vital voice in contemporary literature.
- Key Works: The Reader, We Are Not Free, A Thousand Steps into Night, Kindling
- Awards: Printz Honor (2021), National Book Award Finalist (2020), LA Times Book Prize Finalist (2024)
- Hobbies: Hiking, egg painting, hosting game nights
- Residence: California
About Traci Chee
Snag We Are Not Free or dive into the Sea of Ink and Gold trilogy to experience Traci Chee’s magical blend of fantasy and heart! Her stories are a journey you won’t want to miss.