Debbi Michiko Florence

She’s baaaaack! Jasmine Toguchi is back in a new set of chapter books and this time she and her family are going on vacation to Japan! Book 5 will be published on October 18, 2022. Jasmine Toguchi Brave Explorer by Debbi Michiko Florence Illustrations by Elizabet Vuković Farrar Straus Giroux/Macmillan Toothbrush? Check. Her special journal?… Read more »

I’m so thrilled to announce the pre-order campaign for my newest middle grade book, Sweet and Sour (September 6, 2022)! This is a book of my heart about childhood friendships set in Mystic, CT. I love love love the cover – big thanks to artist Jacqueline Li and cover designer Stephanie Yang. That’s my local… Read more »

This is where you’ll find a full and updated list of all reviews and news about Sweet and Sour! This is the playlist I listened to while writing Sweet and Sour: Apple Music Sweet and Sour Playlist “An endearing book exploring the ups and downs of friendship.”  Read the full review from Kirkus. “… uplifting… Read more »

I’m thrilled to share the cover of my next middle grade novel: Sweet and Sour! Sweet and Sour, Scholastic/September 6, 2022 I love everything about this cover – how Mai and Zach are looking at each other, Bank Square Books in the background, the BT21 Cooky plush keychain on Mai’s tote bag, the clothes Mai… Read more »

This is where you’ll find links to all the news, reviews, and interviews for our picture book biography Niki Nakayama: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites by Jamie Michalak and Debbi Michiko Florence illustrated by Yuko Jones Farrar Straus and Giroux, September 2021   “Determined heroine, delightful story, delectable illustrations: Both young readers and their… Read more »

Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai, a companion novel to Keep It Together, Keiko Carter, publishes on August 3, 2021. First heartbreaks. Fierce competition. Family Drama. Who knew middle school would be so hard? I’m pleased to announce that you can pre-order the book now. If you pre-order from my local independent bookstore Bank Square Books/Savoy… Read more »

This is where you’ll find updated news and links to reviews and interviews. I’ll be updating regularly. Thanks for all your support! Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai is available now! August 3, 2021 (Scholastic) “Heartbreak is for suckers.” When Jenna Sakai gets dumped over winter break, it confirms what she learned from her parents’ messy… Read more »

The galleys of Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai are landing in mailboxes! This is always an exciting and nerve-wracking time for an author. It’s like letting your baby go into the world. The story and characters went from being in my head, in a file on my laptop, to printed pages – from being mine… Read more »

I’m super excited to be a participating author in Tweens Read 2020 which is going virtual this year. The event will take place October 19 – 24. More information coming soon!

I’m thrilled and honored to learn that Keep It Together, Keiko Carter is a New England Book Award finalist! Thank you New England Independent Booksellers Association (NEIBA). Congratulations to all the finalists! I’m so awed to see Keiko in such amazing company! Keep It Together, Keiko Carter is in French! I’m over-the-moon happy to know… Read more »