Karen Latchana Kenney is an Indian-Irish children’s author, born near the equator in Guyana, and raised far north in Minnesota. She writes both fiction and nonfiction stories about immigrant and biracial experiences, scientific discoveries, momentous historical events, and civil rights struggles.
Her books have received several starred reviews and have been named a 2023 Mathical Book Prize Honor Book, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, a Book of Note from the TriState Review Committee, and an Editor’s Choice for School Library Connection.
She lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with her family, where they explore all the wild places they can find.
Get to Know Me!
Where am I from?
I was born in New Amsterdam, Guyana, a town along the Berbice River. My family from there is East Indian, descendants of indentured servants who worked on the sugar plantations when Guyana was a colony.
I’m also Irish! My mother is from Athy in County Kildare, Ireland. It’s also by a river— the River Barrow. When I was little, I was lucky enough to visit and see all my family there.
When did I move to Minnesota?
My family came to Minnesota when I was just a little girl. We lived in the Powderhorn Park neighborhood of Minneapolis. Then later we moved to Golden Valley, a suburb of the city. Here we are in Powderhorn Park!
When did I start writing?
First, I started reading—lots! I loved reading mystery, science fiction, and nonfiction books. Some of my favorite authors were Madeline L’Engle, John Bellairs, and Jane Langton. And I wrote my first book when I was 10 years old. It was about a teddy bear named Pracilla.
What do I write now?
My very first picture book—Snow Steps— comes out this year. It’s a fiction story based on my family’s first winter in Minnesota. I love writing stories about immigrants and BIPOC people. I also love writing about science—from outer space to growing plants to long-living animals! I’ve written lots of books on science and history topics.
