Lensey Namioka

Lensey Namioka was a renowned Chinese-American children's author, best known for her captivating stories and novel creations like The All American Slurp and Ties that Bind, Ties that Break. Her unique and imaginative writing style distinguished her as one of the greatest children's authors of her time.

Born on December 10, 1929, in Beijing, China, Namioka spent her early years in China before moving to the United States of America with her family. She earned her Bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley, and later pursued a graduate degree in mathematics from the same institution.

Namioka's talent for writing fiction for children emerged when she published her first literary works, Who's Hu? and White Serpent Castle. After that, she authored many notable children's books, including Island of Ogres, Yang the Eldest and His Odd Jobs, and Mismatched.

Namioka was a very optimistic, enthusiastic, and ambitious person who always believed in chasing her dreams with hard work and perseverance. Her literature typically reflects her love for exploring diverse cultures and their stories.

Before becoming a famous children’s author, Lensey Namioka faced many hardships and challenges. One significant challenge was embracing a new culture and adapting to American society while staying true to her Chinese roots. Despite the struggles, she remained passionate about her work and eventually gained significant recognition for her exceptional literary works.

Lensey Namioka was happily married to her Japanese husband, Kiyoshi Namioka, for several years. She honored her husband’s heritage by writing several novels focused on the Japanese samurai culture. She was a devoted wife and mother to her two children, and her love for her family reflects in her writings.

Throughout her career, Lensey Namioka was associated with many other authors in the storytelling industry. Her friend and fellow Chinese-born author, Bette Bao Lord, was renowned for her works of children's fiction. Lensey was also recognized and admired by numerous fans around the world, particularly for her dedication towards fostering children's love for reading.

To summarize, Lensey Namioka was a brilliant and accomplished children's author who left a significant mark in the literary world, inspiring future generations to embrace their culture and express themselves through writing.