Cultural mirrors and windows
Lin's first picture book, The Ugly Vegetables, was based on her mother's garden and her own childhood experience as the only Asian girl in her class.
Things she missed growing up
Lin's books have become a way for her to recapture the Asian culture heritage she resisted when she was younger.
Best friends
Lin's best friend since childhood who appears in her books as the character Melody is now her book editor. They worked together to include the beautiful illustrations in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.
Pictures can't always tell the story
When Lin branched out into writing young adult novels, she really enjoyed the passionate feedback from her older readers.
A search for happiness
'Where the Mountain Meets the Moon' is Lin's interpretation of a traditional Chinese fairy tale combined with her personal story of grieving for her late husband.
Excerpt: The Poet Slave of Cuba
Margarita reads an excerpt in Juan's voice from The Poet Slave of Cuba.
Excerpt: The Firefly Letters
Margarita reads an excerpt in Fredrika's voice from The Firefly Letters.
Firefly lanterns
Margarita explains what fireflies symbolize to her.
The Firefly Letters
Meet Fredrika Bremer, an extraordinary Swedish suffragette, and her translator, Cecilia!
Excerpt: Tropical Secrets
Margarita reads an excerpt in Daniel's voice from Tropical Secrets.