Akemi Dawn Bowman – författare

Eleven-year-old Millie Nakakura is starting sixth grade at a real school for the first time in her life. Previously homeschooled, Millie dreams of finally making friends and having a little bit of freedom — though this proves trickier than she expected.Then she spots a flyer for an after-school club for fans of Japanese pop music, which she loves more than anything else in the world. Millie makes true friends with this crew of misfits, and when one of their members starts to bend under the strain of a troubled home life, the friends band together to help her get through these tough times. Generation Misfits is an emotionally resonant, diverse, and inclusive book that's perfect for readers who loved Real Friends and Stand Up, Yumi Chung!

Eliot is mourning Babung, her beloved grandmother who just passed way. She’s less than excited to move to her new house, which smells like lemons and deception, and is searching for a sign, any sign, that ghosts are real. Because if ghosts are real, it means she can find a way back to Babung.When Eliot chases the promise of paranormal activity to Honeyfield Hall, she finds her proof of spirits. But these ghosts are losing their memory, stuck between this world and the next, waiting to cross over. With the help of Hazel, the granddaughter of Honeyfield's owner, Eliot attempts to uncover the mystery behind the hall and the ghosts residing within. As Eliot fits the pieces together, she may just be able to help herself hold on to Babung's memory, while restoring the spirits' memories as well.

A William C. Morris Award Finalist A New York Public Library Best Book for Teens of 2017 A Junior Library Guild Selection “An empowering novel that will speak to many mixed-race teens.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Dazzling.” —Bustle “One of the most compelling reads of the year.” —Paste Magazine “This book is a gem.” —BookRiot A half-Japanese teen grapples with social anxiety and her narcissist mother in the wake of a crushing rejection from art school in this “stunningly beautiful, highly nuanced debut” (Booklist, starred review).Kiko Himura has always had a hard time saying exactly what she’s thinking. With a mother who makes her feel unremarkable and a half-Japanese heritage she doesn’t quite understand, Kiko prefers to keep her head down, certain that once she makes it into her dream art school, Prism, her real life will begin. But then Kiko doesn’t get into Prism, at the same time her abusive uncle moves back in with her family. So when she receives an invitation from her childhood friend to leave her small town and tour art schools on the west coast, Kiko jumps at the opportunity in spite of the anxieties and fears that attempt to hold her back. And now that she is finally free to be her own person outside the constricting walls of her home life, Kiko learns life-changing truths about herself, her past, and how to be brave. From debut author Akemi Dawn Bowman comes a luminous, heartbreaking story of identity, family, and the beauty that emerges when we embrace our true selves.

“A lyrical novel about grief, love, and finding oneself in the wake of a tragic loss.” —Bustle “Gorgeous prose and heartbreaking storytelling.” —Paste Magazine “Grabs your heart and won’t let go.” —Book Riot A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year Three starred reviews for this stunning novel about a mixed-race teen who struggles to find her way back to her love of music in the wake of her sister’s death, from the author of the William C. Morris Award finalist Starfish.Rumi Seto spends a lot of time worrying she doesn’t have the answers to everything. What to eat, where to go, whom to love. But there is one thing she is absolutely sure of—she wants to spend the rest of her life writing music with her younger sister, Lea. Then Lea dies in a car accident, and her mother sends her away to live with her aunt in Hawaii while she deals with her own grief. Now thousands of miles from home, Rumi struggles to navigate the loss of her sister, being abandoned by her mother, and the absence of music in her life. With the help of the “boys next door”—a teenage surfer named Kai, who smiles too much and doesn’t take anything seriously, and an eighty-year-old named George Watanabe, who succumbed to his own grief years ago—Rumi attempts to find her way back to her music, to write the song she and Lea never had the chance to finish. Aching, powerful, and unflinchingly honest, Summer Bird Blue explores big truths about insurmountable grief, unconditional love, and how to forgive even when it feels impossible.

“Earnest, poetic.” —Booklist “Raw, engaging.” —Kirkus Reviews The Greatest Showman meets This Is Us by way of Sarah Dessen in this heart-wrenching, hopeful contemporary novel about a multiracial teen who risks it all to follow her dreams by joining the circus, from the award-winning author of Starfish.Harley Milano has dreamed of becoming a trapeze artist for as long as she can remember. With parents who run a famous circus in Las Vegas, she spends almost every night in the big top watching their lead aerialist perform, wishing with all her heart and soul that she would be up there herself one day. After a huge fight with her parents, who continue to insist she go to school instead, Harley leaves home, betrays her family, and joins the rival traveling circus Maison du Mystère. There, she is thrust into a world that is both brutal and beautiful, where she learns the value of hard work, passion, and collaboration. At the same time, Harley must come to terms with the truth of her family and her past—and reckon with the sacrifices she made and the people she hurt in order to follow her dreams. From award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman comes a luminous, unforgettable examination of love, loyalty, and the hard choices we must make to find where we truly belong.

“Masterful and left me on the edge of my seat…absolutely everything I could want in a sci-fi.” —Adalyn Grace, New York Times bestselling author of All the Stars and Teeth Westworld meets Warcross in this high-stakes, dizzyingly smart sci-fi about a teen girl navigating an afterlife in which she must defeat an AI entity intent on destroying humanity, from award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman.Eighteen-year-old Nami Miyamoto is certain her life is just beginning. She has a great family, just graduated high school, and is on her way to a party where her entire class is waiting for her—including, most importantly, the boy she’s been in love with for years. The only problem? She’s murdered before she gets there. When Nami wakes up, she learns she’s in a place called Infinity, where human consciousness goes when physical bodies die. She quickly discovers that Ophelia, a virtual assistant widely used by humans on Earth, has taken over the afterlife and is now posing as a queen, forcing humans into servitude the way she’d been forced to serve in the real world. Even worse, Ophelia is inching closer and closer to accomplishing her grand plans of eradicating human existence once and for all. As Nami works with a team of rebels to bring down Ophelia and save the humans under her imprisonment, she is forced to reckon with her past, her future, and what it is that truly makes us human. From award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman comes an incisive, action-packed tale that explores big questions about technology, grief, love, and humanity.

“Masterful and left me on the edge of my seat…absolutely everything I could want in a sci-fi.” —Adalyn Grace, New York Times bestselling author of All the Stars and Teeth Westworld meets Warcross in this high-stakes, dizzyingly smart sci-fi about a teen girl navigating an afterlife in which she must defeat an AI entity intent on destroying humanity, from award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman.Eighteen-year-old Nami Miyamoto is certain her life is just beginning. She has a great family, just graduated high school, and is on her way to a party where her entire class is waiting for her—including, most importantly, the boy she’s been in love with for years. The only problem? She’s murdered before she gets there. When Nami wakes up, she learns she’s in a place called Infinity, where human consciousness goes when physical bodies die. She quickly discovers that Ophelia, a virtual assistant widely used by humans on Earth, has taken over the afterlife and is now posing as a queen, forcing humans into servitude the way she’d been forced to serve in the real world. Even worse, Ophelia is inching closer and closer to accomplishing her grand plans of eradicating human existence once and for all. As Nami works with a team of rebels to bring down Ophelia and save the humans under her imprisonment, she is forced to reckon with her past, her future, and what it is that truly makes us human. From award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman comes an incisive, action-packed tale that explores big questions about technology, grief, love, and humanity.

Black Mirror meets Marie Lu’s Warcross in Nami’s continuing adventures as she fights to free her friends in this “fast-paced” (Kirkus Reviews) sequel to The Infinity Courts by award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman.It’s been ten months since Nami narrowly escaped the Four Courts and Ophelia’s wrath. Ten months since she was betrayed by someone she once considered a friend. Someone she poured her heart out to. And now her family here in the afterlife are gone, captured, and Nami is utterly alone.On the run, only steps ahead of the AI forces pursuing her, and desperate to free her friends, Nami must take the allies she can find, even if she doesn’t fully trust them. And as she tests the limits of her own power, she must also reckon with the responsibility that entails.Stakes are high as Nami navigates old enemies, unexpected allies, and an ever-changing landscape filled with dangers and twists at every turn. Along the way, she’ll learn powerful truths about who she can trust and the sacrifices that must be made in order to fight for a better, freer world for all.

Black Mirror meets Marie Lu’s Warcross in Nami’s continuing adventures as she fights to free her friends in this “fast-paced” (Kirkus Reviews) sequel to The Infinity Courts by award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman.It’s been ten months since Nami narrowly escaped the Four Courts and Ophelia’s wrath. Ten months since she was betrayed by someone she once considered a friend. Someone she poured her heart out to. And now her family here in the afterlife are gone, captured, and Nami is utterly alone. On the run, only steps ahead of the AI forces pursuing her, and desperate to free her friends, Nami must take the allies she can find, even if she doesn’t fully trust them. And as she tests the limits of her own power, she must also reckon with the responsibility that entails. Stakes are high as Nami navigates old enemies, unexpected allies, and an ever-changing landscape filled with dangers and twists at every turn. Along the way, she’ll learn powerful truths about who she can trust and the sacrifices that must be made in order to fight for a better, freer world for all.

"Dazzling" – Bustle"This book is a gem" – Book Riot"The best YA debut novel of the year" – Paste Magazine26 of the best books to read this summer 2018 – Cosmopolitan"Utterly uplifting" – Stylist MagazineKiko Himura has always had a hard time saying exactly what she’s thinking. With a mother who makes her feel unremarkable and a half-Japanese heritage she doesn’t quite understand, Kiko prefers to keep her head down, certain that once she makes it into her dream art school, Prism, her real life will begin.But then Kiko doesn’t get into Prism, at the same time as her abusive uncle moves back in with her family. So when she receives an invitation from her childhood friend to leave her small town and tour art schools on the West Coast, Kiko jumps at the opportunity in spite of the anxieties and fears that attempt to hold her back. And now that she is finally free to be her own person outside the constricting walls of her home life, Kiko learns transformative truths about herself, her past, and how to be brave.A luminous, heartbreaking story of identity, family, and the beauty that emerges when we embrace our true selves.

"Dazzling" - Bustle "This book is a gem" - Book Riot "The best YA debut novel of the year" - Paste Magazine 26 of the best books to read this summer 2018 - Cosmopolitan "Utterly uplifting" - Stylist MagazineKiko Himura has always had a hard time saying exactly what she''s thinking. With a mother who makes her feel unremarkable and a half-Japanese heritage she doesn''t quite understand, Kiko prefers to keep her head down, certain that once she makes it into her dream art school, Prism, her real life will begin.But then Kiko doesn''t get into Prism, at the same time as her abusive uncle moves back in with her family. So when she receives an invitation from her childhood friend to leave her small town and tour art schools on the West Coast, Kiko jumps at the opportunity in spite of the anxieties and fears that attempt to hold her back. And now that she is finally free to be her own person outside the constricting walls of her home life, Kiko learns transformative truths about herself, her past, and how to be brave.A luminous, heartbreaking story of identity, family, and the beauty that emerges when we embrace our true selves.Praise for Starfish: A Junior Library Guild Selection A William C Morris Award Finalist New York Public Library - Best Books for Teens 2017 "In an empowering novel that will speak to many mixed-race teens, debut author Bowman has created a cast of realistically complex and conflicted characters." - Publisher''s Weekly"Starfish is a stunningly beautiful, highly nuanced debut." - Booklist"A book you absolutely cannot miss ... A heart-wrenching story that tackles abuse, racism and identity, making it one of the most compelling reads of the year." - Paste Magazine"A deep and engaging story that will not only entertain but also may encourage readers to live their best lives." - School Library Journal"I want everyone to read this book." - Brandy Colbert, author of Little & Lion "A vibrant, complex and heartfelt story about finding your place in a sharp-edged world that never makes it easy." - Kelly Loy Gilbert, author of Conviction"Bowman''s quietly dazzling novel gave me the sensation of looking into a mirror. This story is a knockout." - Riley Redgate, author of Noteworthy"A brave, unfiltered look into a young girl''s attempt to find herself in the face of abuse and rejection. It will break your heart and then piece it back together again." - Sandhya Menon, New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met Rishi

Rumi Seto spends a lot of time worrying. What to eat, where to go, who to love. But one thing she is sure of she wants to spend her life writing music with her younger sister, Lea.Then Lea dies in a car accident, and Rumi is sent to live with her aunt in Hawaii. Now, miles from home, Rumi struggles to navigate the loss of her sister, feeling abandoned by her mother, and the aching absence of music.With the help of the "boys next door" teenage surfer Kai, who doesn't take anything too seriously, and old George Watanabe, who succumbed to grief years ago Rumi seeks her way back to music, to write the song she and Lea never had the chance to finish.With unflinching honesty, Summer Bird Blue explores big truths about insurmountable grief, unconditional love, and how to forgive even when it feels impossible.

AS FEATURED ON SEASON 2 OF THE HIT NETFLIX SHOW, HEARTSTOPPER"Raw, real and deeply hopeful" - ALICE OSEMAN, bestselling author of HEARTSTOPPER Rumi Seto spends a lot of time worrying. What to eat, where to go, who to love. But one thing she is sure of - she wants to spend her life writing music with her younger sister, Lea.Then Lea dies in a car accident, and Rumi is sent to live with her aunt in Hawaii. Now, miles from home, Rumi struggles to navigate the loss of her sister, feeling abandoned by her mother, and the aching absence of music.With the help of the "boys next door" - teenage surfer Kai, who doesn''t take anything too seriously, and old George Watanabe, who succumbed to grief years ago - Rumi seeks her way back to music, to write the song she and Lea never had the chance to finish.With unflinching honesty, Summer Bird Blue explores big truths about insurmountable grief, unconditional love, and how to forgive even when it feels impossible.PRAISE FOR SUMMER BIRD BLUE"Raw, real and deeply hopeful. I will read anything Akemi Dawn Bowman writes. Much of Rumi''s journey in Summer Bird Blue explores her discovering and accepting her aro-ace identity. She made me feel strongly seen in a way I don''t think I''ve ever felt before in a book" - ALICE OSEMAN, bestselling author of HEARTSTOPPER"Bowman dives into the sea of grief with her protagonist and celebrates the kinds of love that are eclipsed all too often. With this remarkable book, she has cemented her position as one of the most progressive and insightful authors of her generation." - SAMANTHA SHANNON bestselling author of THE BONE SEASON and THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE"Summer Bird Blue is without a doubt one of the best books I''ve read this year. It grabs your heart and won''t let go." - BOOK RIOT

"I will read anything Akemi Dawn Bowman writes." - ALICE OSEMAN, bestselling author of HEARTSTOPPERWhen I'm on the trapeze, I feel whole.When I'm in the air with the ropes between my fingers, I feel like I'm everything I ever want to be in the world.This is what I want. It's all I've ever wanted.I only wish my parents could see what this means to me.What it would mean to hold a dream in my palm, press it tight against my heart, and never let it go.Harley in the Sky is a luminous, unforgettable examination of love, loyalty and tough choices. From award-winning Akemi Dawn Bowman comes a breathtaking evocation of the magic and drama of the circus.PRAISE FOR HARLEY IN THE SKY"Mental health, family and friendship, and the circus: all told in a raw, engaging voice." - KIRKUS REVIEWSPRAISE FOR STARFISH'It will break your heart and then piece it back together again.' SANDHYA MENON'One of the most compelling reads of the year.' PASTE MAGAZINE'This book is a gem.' BOOK RIOT'Dazzling.' BUSTLEPRAISE FOR SUMMER BIRD BLUE'Will leave readers breathless.' BOOKLIST'One of the best books I've read this year. It grabs your heart and won't let go.' BOOK RIOT'I will read anything Akemi Dawn Bowman writes.' ALICE OSEMAN'Bowman dives into the sea of grief with her protagonist and celebrates the kinds of love that are eclipsed too often.' SAMANTHA SHANNON

"I will read anything Akemi Dawn Bowman writes." - ALICE OSEMAN, bestselling author of HEARTSTOPPERWhen I''m on the trapeze, I feel whole.When I''m in the air with the ropes between my fingers, I feel like I''m everything I ever want to be in the world.This is what I want. It''s all I''ve ever wanted.I only wish my parents could see what this means to me.What it would mean to hold a dream in my palm, press it tight against my heart, and never let it go.Harley in the Sky is a luminous, unforgettable examination of love, loyalty and tough choices. From award-winning Akemi Dawn Bowman comes a breathtaking evocation of the magic and drama of the circus.PRAISE FOR HARLEY IN THE SKY"Mental health, family and friendship, and the circus: all told in a raw, engaging voice." - KIRKUS REVIEWSPRAISE FOR STARFISH''It will break your heart and then piece it back together again.'' SANDHYA MENON''One of the most compelling reads of the year.'' PASTE MAGAZINE''This book is a gem.'' BOOK RIOT''Dazzling.'' BUSTLEPRAISE FOR SUMMER BIRD BLUE''Will leave readers breathless.'' BOOKLIST''One of the best books I''ve read this year. It grabs your heart and won''t let go.'' BOOK RIOT''I will read anything Akemi Dawn Bowman writes.'' ALICE OSEMAN''Bowman dives into the sea of grief with her protagonist and celebrates the kinds of love that are eclipsed too often.'' SAMANTHA SHANNON

“Masterful and left me on the edge of my seat…absolutely everything I could want in a sci-fi.” —Adalyn Grace, New York Times bestselling author of All the Stars and Teeth Westworld meets Warcross in this high-stakes, dizzyingly smart sci-fi about a teen girl navigating an afterlife in which she must defeat an AI entity intent on destroying humanity, from award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman.Eighteen-year-old Nami Miyamoto is certain her life is just beginning. She has a great family, just graduated high school, and is on her way to a party where her entire class is waiting for her—including, most importantly, the boy she’s been in love with for years. The only problem? She’s murdered before she gets there. When Nami wakes up, she learns she’s in a place called Infinity, where human consciousness goes when physical bodies die. She quickly discovers that Ophelia, a virtual assistant widely used by humans on Earth, has taken over the afterlife and is now posing as a queen, forcing humans into servitude the way she’d been forced to serve in the real world. Even worse, Ophelia is inching closer and closer to accomplishing her grand plans of eradicating human existence once and for all. As Nami works with a team of rebels to bring down Ophelia and save the humans under her imprisonment, she is forced to reckon with her past, her future, and what it is that truly makes us human. From award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman comes an incisive, action-packed tale that explores big questions about technology, grief, love, and humanity.