Mitali Perkins
- Born:
- February 22, 1963, Kolkata, India
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Author
Early Life and Education
- Born in Kolkata, India and spent her early childhood in India, Ghana, England, and Mexico.
- Immigrated to the United States as a teenager.
- B.A. in Political Science from Stanford University.
- M.P.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her writing career focusing on young adult and children's literature.
- Advocates for diverse representation in children's literature.
- Frequent speaker at schools and conferences on topics related to writing, diversity, and cross-cultural understanding.
- Received multiple awards and recognitions for her books.
Notable Works
- Rickshaw Girl
- Bamboo People
- Secret Keeper
- Tiger Boy
- You Bring the Distant Near
- Forward Me Back to You
- Between Us and Abuela
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Book | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Notable Children's Books (ALSC) | Rickshaw Girl | 2008 |
| South Asia Book Award | Bamboo People | 2011 |
| Walter Dean Myers Award | You Bring the Distant Near | 2018 |
Legacy and Impact
Mitali Perkins has established herself as an important voice in children's and young adult literature. Through her stories, she promotes cross-cultural understanding, empathy, and the importance of representation. Many view her work as essential reading for young audiences seeking to understand diverse perspectives. This concise overview serves as a starting point for exploring Mitali Perkins's biography further.