Name: Misako Rocks!
Biographical Information: Misako Rocks! developed a love for comics and manga at an early age and drew her first comic at the age of 13. She moved to New York in 2001 and worked as a a puppeteer, face painter, animal balloon maker, and art teacher while still developing her own work. Her first break came when the Onion decided to use her illustrations for their now famous “Savage Love” column, which runs every week. Shortly thereafter, Misako scored a two-book deal with Hyperion, a three-book deal with Henry Holt and a writing gig for Archie comics. Misako has been featured in many magazines and newspapers, including Elle Girl and the New York Times. The BBC and NHK also featured her in a documentary about her comic book life. Recently Misako got a children’s book deal with a Japanese publisher Meijishoin. Also, she is now running a monthly comic column in AERA English Magazine in Japan.
Misako currently lives in Brooklyn, New York and spends her free time riding her vintage bike, making hip hop, kissing babies, shaking hands, slam dunking and eating lots of Onigiri!
Featured Book: Detective Jermain vol. 1. Jermain, the sixteen-year-old daughter of famous detective parents, can’t stop playing detective herself and nosing into other peoples’ business. When she realizes that some of the students and teachers at school are acting very strange, she has to solve the mystery! Jermain’s friends Andy, a shy but cute computer geek, and Travis, a popular heartbreaker, are her partners in detection, and they both have feelings for her. Between the dangers at school and this unexpected love triangle, what will Jermain do?
Age Level of Materials published: teen
Honors:
Nikkei Woman Magazine – 15 Women of the Year
Best Teen’s Book List – New York Public Library