The child of two public school teachers, Lisa Yee is a third-generation Chinese American. Born and raised in Los Angeles, her groundbreaking book, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, features one of the first Asian American protagonists in contemporary children’s literature. Since then Lisa’s had over twenty one more books published! In addition to YA novels, her books for younger readers include the Bobby Ellis-Chan series, illustrated by Caldecott medalist Dan Santat, and popular DC Super Hero Girls middle grade novel series.

Lisa’s novel, the critically acclaimed Maizy Chen’s Last Chance is a Newbery Honor book, a National Book Award Finalist, and the winner of the Asian Pacific American Children’s Literature Award. It features a Chinese American girl who’s been kept in the dark about her family history. When Maizy shines a light on it, she’s shocked by what she finds. Packed with surprises, heart, and stories within stories, this irresistible novel celebrates food, fortune, and family.

The Misfits, a New York Times Bestseller, is Lisa’s newest novel. It’s about a super secret group of awkward undercover crime fighters.

Lisa has been an inventor, a hand model (once), and worked for a creative think tank. At Walt Disney World she was a writer/producer and one time, when she was the only short person around, she got to be Mickey Mouse. Even though she’s had lots of interesting careers and has been paid to eat chocolate, Lisa says that being an author is the best job in the world. She divides her time between Western Massachusetts and Los Angeles, especially when it’s cold.