Mariko Tamaki

Mariko Tamaki's first short novel, Cover Me, was published in 2000. Since then Mariko has published two collections of humorous short fiction, True Lies: The Book of Bad Advice and Fake ID. Largely, Mariko's work examines her fascination with the complexities of the social world and the struggles of those people who cannot seem to easily fit into it. Skim (2008), the graphic novel co-created with illustrator/cousin Jillian Tamaki, was an attempt to get into the world of high school teenage girls. Since it's publication in Toronto, Skim has won an Ignatz Award for Best Graphic Novel and was recognized as one of the Best Illustrated Children's Books by the New York Times. Mariko currently works a writing instructor and freelance writer. She lectures frequently on creative writing at high schools and colleges. She recently completed a young adult novel, (You) Set Me on Fire, slated for publication by Penguin Canada in 2012. She is currently working on a new novel about imaginary friends. Follow mariko on Twitter: @marikotamaki