Bio:

Debbie McGinley brings magical realism to life through her lyrical language and vivid settings. Her works are often flavored by other cultures, whether it’s the chiles for sale at a Northern California barrio market, or the borscht served at Thanksgiving dinner by a Russian immigrant family living in Connecticut.

Debbie’s novels for middle-grade readers include SONORA, the story of Anarosa, a Mexican American girl living in the San Joaquin Valley. Anarosa has big dreams -- maybe too big -- for a family struggling to make ends meet. She’s always wanted to be a vet, but no one in her family has even finished high school. This summer, she has the chance to work with a relative at a veterinary clinic in Texas, but she has to earn the money for the plane ticket herself.

Before turning her attention to fiction writing, Debbie worked in corporate communications and public relations, leading campaigns for Fortune 500 companies and technology start-ups alike. She earned a master’s degree in journalism at Northwestern University and B.A. in communication at Stanford University. She’s been energized by the experience of creating new works of fiction for young readers.

Debbie is a California native and an active member of the SCBWI. She lives in Westport, Connecticut with her husband and three children.


Writer
Associate
Member since 2010
Region: New England: South (Connecticut/Rhode Island)

Contact Information

Current Location:   Westport

Published In Children's Market: No