About Maggie (short form)
Maggie P. Chang grew up in Kansas, where she constantly had her nose in a book and art supplies close by. A former art teacher, this Taiwanese American is the author-illustrator of the Geraldine Pu series and is also the cofounder of two education nonprofits. Maggie lives in California with her husband, their two kids, and their dog, Benihana.
About Maggie (longer form)
As a little girl growing up in Kansas, I lived large as a writer and illustrator of my own books, a queen of crafting, and a leader of a dozen different made up businesses within my household.
Today, not much has changed when I say I’m a multi-disciplinary creative and educator with an entrepreneurial spirit. Over the last ten plus years, I've combined my passions to launch and direct innovative programs for schools and museums and have co-founded two nonprofits. My creative work touches on those big (and small) questions in life, and my style is to create with heart and humor. Things that energize me: creativity, nature, animals, your grandma’s cooking, listening, words, collaboration, compassion, and the human spirit. (Hence, that one summer spent living with a friendly family of shepherds on a sheep farm in New Zealand after reading The Alchemist.) Things I believe in: our youth, the power of storytelling, the soul, technology, eco-honoring processes, bullet points, dark chocolate, Woody from Toy Story, timing, legumes, laughter = best medicine, and kindness.
I began my career in education in New York City. This began with a year of national service teaching through City Year AmeriCorps in Spanish Harlem. I went on to manage the construction and opening of the nation's first children's history museum and piloted the first art education programs for the New-York Historical Society, both of which continue to serve thousands of students with limited access to art and enrichment. I then returned to the classroom, expanding the Digital Media Technology program at the acclaimed LaGuardia Arts High School--the public school that inspired the film and TV show Fame. There, I hit the lotto teaching graphic design, branding, package design, web design, digital media, animation, film, illustration, children’s book illustration, water color painting, and fashion to the world's most talented teen artists--aka the coolest people on the planet.
I currently live in Southern California with my husband, our daughter, our son, and our mini bernedoodle named Benihana. When I’m not working creatively, you can find me cooking gluten-free dinners, dancing/reading/making art with my kids, “trying” to do a moving meditation while walking the dog and pushing a stroller, playing tennis, or dipping my feet into the ocean.
Ultimately with the books I create, I want to cultivate deeper connection and make positive impacts while guiding others to do the same. Thanks for stopping by! Please, visit again soon.
Recognition/Acknowledgements:
Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award Nominee, 2023
Wichita Collegiate School Fine Arts Hall of Fame Inductee, 2023
Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year Selection, 2022
ALA’s Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List, 2022
The Outstanding Works of Literature (OWL) Award Winner for Elementary, 2021
Cybils Award Finalist, 2021
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, 2021, 2022
Comcast NBCUniversal Leadership Award, 2018
Education:
University of Pennsylvania, BA in Visual Studies
Teachers College Columbia University, MA in Art & Art Education