Mariko Tamaki has garnered much acclaim for both her written and performance-based work. The graphic novel Skim (with Jillian Tamaki) was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award and received numerous other accolades, including the Doug Wright Award for Best Graphic Novel, the Ignatz Award, and the Joe Schuster Award. Tamaki was also awarded the Writers’ Trust Honour of Distinction for her body of work.

Saving Montgomery Sole (Gr. 7+)

Montgomery Sole is a square peg in a small town, a girl with two moms forced to go to a school full of homophobes and people who don’t even know what irony is. Her saving grace–her two best friends, Thomas and Naoki. When strange things actually start happening to Monty, she realizes that the greatest mystery of all is herself. Thoughtful, funny, and honest, this book will make you want to laugh and cry over a big cup of frozen yogurt with extra toppings and your best friends at your side.

Other Books

This One Summer (Gr. 10+)

Rose and Windy are summer friends whose families have visited Awago Beach for as long as they can remember. From the creators of Skim comes an investigation into the mysterious world of adults.

(you) Set Me On Fire (Gr. 10+)

Allison Lee is seventeen and off to college in the fall.

“Tamaki’s latest effort is a pitch-perfect instruction manual for the first stages of adult life. It’s a fantastic book that sends readers a reassuring love letter, telling them that while they will get burned, they will also survive.” –Quill & Quire

About Mariko Tamaki’s Appearance at Wordfest 2016

Mariko Tamaki will be available for presentations in school as well as for theatre performance where she may discuss her inspiration and writing. Contact youth@wordfest.com for more information.

Download Teacher Information PDF – UPDATED

Festival Reading Guide