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Tae Keller is the Newbery award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of When You Trap a Tiger and The Science of Breakable Things. She grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she subsisted on kimchi, purple rice, and stories. Now, she writes about biracial girls trying to find their voices, and lives in Seattle with her husband and a multitude of books.
Join Tae's monthly email letter for writing updates, book recommendations, and personal essays.
| How did you come to teach at Hamline MFAC? I was invited to give a commencement speech and while I was on campus, I fell in love with the community. The vibrancy, the encouragement, the commitment to learning--it's special. When Swati and Coe casually asked if I'd ever be interested in teaching there, I responded: "Can I?!" |
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| What’s your favorite part of residency? Workshop! I was never a fan of workshop in undergrad; it always felt too raw and competitive. But Hamline is different. I love creating a safe space together, learning with my co-leader and students, and being inspired by their vulnerability, insights, and kindness. |
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| How would you describe your faculty advising style? I want to help my students see just how brilliant they are, so I not only want to help their work shine, but I want to help them shine too, as writers and people. What makes their writing special? What are the stories only they can tell? And what craft elements can we work on to tell those stories in the best way? The semester will be hard work, as writing often is, but I'll be cheerleading every step of the way. |
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| What’s your favorite book to recommend to MFAC students? Holes. It's genius. |
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| We asked you to send a photo that represents a favorite Hamline memory. What's happening in your photo? Ha - you know, I think there's a video floating around somewhere of Lisa and me dancing to Rock Lobster in the faculty lounge, but I can't seem to find it (this is almost certainly for the best). You'll just have to believe me when I say it was excellent. |
Middle grade
When You Trap a Tiger
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2020
- Winner of the Newbery Medal
- Winner of the Boston Globe Horn Book Honor Award for Fiction and Poetry
- Winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Children's Literature
- New York Times #1 Bestseller
Other middle grade
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Mihi Ever After: Home Sweet Home
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 2025 -
Mihi Ever After: Off the Rails
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 2024 -
Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2022 -
Mihi Ever After
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 2022 -
The Science of Breakable Things
Yearling, 2019
