"Kamata's latest is a sharp, unusual coming-of-age novel...Awkwardly and believably, this sensitive novel reveals an artistic teen adapting to family, disability and friendships in all their flawed beauty." Kirkus

"Kamata’s love and intimate knowledge of Paris streets add atmosphere to this smart and surprising coming-of-age story. Readers will feel whisked away by the romance of an artistic life and appreciate the sensitivity and honesty with which Kamata writes about Aiko’s physical and emotional journeys." Publishers Weekly

"Gadget Girl is like a Japanese garden whose beauty reveals itself little by little. And the more attentive you are, the greater the beauty revealed. Aiko's journey toward acceptance of her uniqueness, which includes that which the world deems imperfect, is told with subtlety and humor. You are going to enjoy reading this book." - Francisco X. Stork, author of MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD

"Suzanne Kamata has created a memorable character in Aiko--a unique girl balancing the desire to be ordinary and extraordinary. Though she's dealing with some difficult obstacles in her life, her desire is particularly relevant and universal to the adolescent experience. An absorbing tale about adversity, art, love, and the courage to accept one's self and others. A pleasure to read!" - Veera Hiranandani, Author of THE WHOLE STORY OF HALF A GIRL

Interviews

An interview about children's books and diversity.

News and Events

Awarded grant by Sustainable Arts Foundation.

YA novel GADGET GIRL: THE ART OF BEING INVISIBLE will be published iby GemmaMedia in May, 2013.

THE BEAUTIFUL ONE HAS COME reviewed in The Japan Times

YA short story, "Peace on Earth" accepted for inclusion in TOMO benefit anthology, to be edited by Holly Thompson and published by Stone Bridge Press in spring, 2012.

CALL ME OKAASAN reviewed in literarymama.com.

New book, The Beautiful One Has Come: Stories, was published by Wyatt-Mackenzie Publishing in July, 2011.

Personal essay, "Home, at Last" appeared in the June, 2011 issue of REAL SIMPLE.

Short story, "The Beautiful One Has Come" appeared in the May/June issue of CICADA.

Short story, "Lessons," appeared in the March/April issue of CICADA.

Short story, "How Harumi Became a Punk Rocker" published in new GirlChild press anthology, Woman's Work: The Short Stories, edited by Michelle Sewell.

Call Me Okaasan: Adventures in Multicultural Mothering was named one of the best books of 2009 by The Japan Times.

Welcome to my website! A little about me: I was born and raised in Grand Haven, Michigan, a lovely town on the shores of Lake Michigan. My family relocated to South Carolina when I was 16. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, I came to Japan on the JET Program to teach English for one year and wound up staying. I now live and write in Tokushima Prefecture with my husband and twins. My first novel, Losing Kei, was published by Leapfrog Press in January, 2008.