Hi! I’m Justina.

I was fated to be a storyteller. After all, my middle name means illuminate, which is what I hope my novels do: shine a light in the world.

My novels include NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL, a finalist for 9 state book awards. NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (AND A FEW WHITE LIES), winner of the Asian Pacific American Literature Award. And LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP. Additionally, I’ve written a beloved picture book, THE PATCH, a number of other YA novels, and multiple storytelling guides for leaders.

My first middle grade novel for younger readers, WITH TWICE THE LOVE, DESSIE MEI, is coming in May 2024. I can’t wait for you to meet Dessie and Donna, reunited sisters who discover what it means to truly belong. The book is available for pre-order now!

While I have called Seattle, Sydney, and Shanghai home, I feel at ease wherever I go among book-ish people.

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Coming in 2024

WITH TWICE THE LOVE, DESSIE MEI

“Justina Chen is such a welcome voice in middle grade literature! With her engaging writing, readers will discover that America’s promise is for all of us.”
— Grace Lin, Newbery Honor winning author of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

“When fate delivers a shocking surprise, Dessie’s life is turned-upside down. Family and friendship are tested in this wonderful heartfelt novel about what it means to belong.”
— Lisa Yee, Newbery Honor Winner

 

Lovely, Dark, and Deep

Lovely, Dark, and Deep

North of Beautiful

North of Beautiful

Return to Me

Return to Me

Nothing but the Truth (and a few white lies)

Nothing but the Truth (and a few white lies)

A Blind Spot for Boys

A Blind Spot for Boys

Girl Overboard

Girl Overboard

Speaking

Justina speaks regularly at schools and book festivals about writing, diversity, and leadership. Many schools like to bring Justina to speak to students during the day and the parent community and school leaders in the evening about leadership communications. As well, Justina keynotes conferences and conducts popular storytelling workshops for companies and organizations as diverse as Microsoft, Disney, ConEdison, Mayo Clinic, Johns Manville, and more. Learn more about having Justina speak at your event.

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