J. M. M. Nuanez

J. M. M. Nuanez, born and raised in California, has lived in diverse places, including Texas, the Pacific Northwest, and South Korea. Her path through life has been marked by a keen inclination towards nature. This love for the natural world can be seen reflected in her work.

Her debut work »Birdie and Me« (2020) deftly explores themes of loss and acceptance. In this compelling story, the twelve-year-old protagonist Jack and her nine-year-old genderfluid brother Birdie grapple with a life upended by the loss of their mother. Their journey is a heartrending exploration of familial bonds and personal identity, tackled with sensitive storytelling. The jury statement from the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis 2023 nomination described it as »sensitive, warm-hearted, and poetic, Birdie and Me tackles the theme of loss«.

Apart from her literary prowess, Nuanez’s multicultural experiences living in diverse places have undoubtedly influenced her storytelling, giving it a unique breadth and depth. As an author, Nuanez has shown an extraordinary capacity to touch upon intricate, sensitive issues with grace and eloquence, creating relatable characters that resonate deeply with readers.

Despite her comparatively recent entry into the literary scene, Nuanez’s work has already begun to leave a significant mark. The author lives in the Netherlands.

Birdie and Me
Penguin Random House
New York, 2020
[german translation: Birgitt Kollmann]