Misa Sugiura’s ancestors include a poet, a priestess, a samurai, and a stowaway. Her first novel, It’s Not Like It’s a Secret, was the winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for YA Literature. Her second novel, This Time Will Be Different, was the HarperCollins Children's Books Lead Read. Misa lives under a giant oak tree in Silicon Valley with her husband, two sons, and three cats. Visit her online at www.misasugiura.com.

Praise for This Time Will Be Different: “Sugiura tackles an abundance of topics with finesse, including social and economic injustice, allyship, and feminism, simultaneously breaking down the Asian-American immigration narrative and the myth of the model minority. Essential.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“A gripping, emotionally charged story that presents a window into a uniquely Japanese American experience.” — School Library Journal (starred review)“With intelligent dialogue surrounding diversity, representation and responsible social action, This Time Will Be Different is a timely, smart novel that readers of contemporary teen fiction will likely devour.” — Shelf Awareness“Sugiura deftly weaves historical fact into this coming-of-age narrative, providing an entertaining and informative backdrop that allows CJ to explore her own sense of identity while giving readers a front seat to her process.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Fresh, vibrant, affecting and powerful.” — New York Times Book ReviewPraise for It's Not Like It's a Secret:  “The graceful complexity of this first-person narrative is an accomplishment in itself. Sana is a fully realized protagonist with faults and unacknowledged privilege alongside her nuanced experience of identity and “model minority” racism. Sugiura thoughtfully explores intersecting issues of race, immigrant-family relationships, queer romance, and, less explicitly, class dynamics without implying the significance of one over the others. Well-paced, brimming with drama, and utterly vital.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“An essential and delightful choice that realistically celebrates a teen’s discovery of trust in herself and in others.” — School Library Journal“Delightfully romantic and hugely refreshing! I loved every page!” — Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Dumplin’“Sugiura expertly details an intricate web of relationships with exquisite precision and wonderfully cringey moments to explore the joys, frustrations, and conundrums of love.“ — David Yoon, New York Times bestselling author of Frankly in Love"An adorable rom-com." — School Library Journal“A laugh-out-loud, tender, and wholly satisfying read.”  — Kirkus Reviews