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Picture books, graphic novels, fantasy, nonfiction—I like to write a little bit of everything.
Christina Soontornvat is the New York Times bestselling author of books for children of all ages. Her picture books include The Ramble Shamble Children, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo, and To Change a Planet, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Belle. She is the author of the beloved Diary of an Ice Princess chapter book series and the bestselling graphic novel, The Tryout. Christina has received three Newbery Honor awards for her books for middle grade readers, and she is the only author to be awarded Newbery Honors for both fiction and nonfiction in the same year. Her account of the Thai Cave Rescue, All Thirteen, received numerous accolades, including the Kirkus Prize for Young People’s Literature. She travels all over the world to speak to children, writers, and educators about her love of reading and storytelling.
Christina grew up behind the counter of her parents’ Thai restaurant in a small Texas town with her nose stuck in a book. She is very proud of both her Thai and her Texan roots, and makes regular trips to both Weatherford and Bangkok to see her beloved family members (and eat lots and lots of Thai food!). In addition to being an author, Christina holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Science Education. She spent a decade working in the science museum field, where she designed programs and exhibits to get kids excited about science. She is passionate about STEM (science, technology engineering, and math) and loves learning new things. She currently lives in Tennessee with her husband and two daughters.
Christina is represented by Jodi Reamer of Writers House .
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Quick Facts about Christina
Hometown
Weatherford, Texas
Siblings
None, I’m an only child.
Age
Born in 1980
Favorite movie:
Labyrinth
Favorite food:
Thai food of any kind, but especially dessert, and especially look choop!
Favorite color:
Blue
Favorite season:
Summer
If I could be any animal:
A sea otter
Fears:
Swimming in murky water (so maybe it would be hard to be an otter…)
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