Marika McCoola author page

Marika McCoola biography

Marika McCoola is an American author, illustrator and educator whose published work includes graphic novels for children and teenagers. She graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2009 with a BFA in Illustration and earned an MFA in Writing for Children from Simmons College in 2012. Her professional background includes work in publishing, bookselling, editing and teaching. She was a co-owner of the independent bookshop Porter Square Books and has taught at Empire State College, Skidmore College and Bard College at the Care Center.

Her debut graphic novel, Baba Yaga’s Assistant, was published by Candlewick Press in August 2015, with illustrations by Emily Carroll. Drawing on Russian folklore, the story follows Masha, a young girl who answers an advertisement seeking an assistant for the witch Baba Yaga. To secure the position, she must complete a series of difficult tests in the witch’s house. The book entered the New York Times graphic books bestseller list at number three and won the Children’s category of the 2015 New England Book Awards. It was also nominated for the 2016 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids and received a Massachusetts Book Award Honor in 2016.

McCoola’s second published graphic novel, Slip, was illustrated by Aatmaja Pandya and published by Algonquin Young Readers in June 2022. It follows Jade, a teenage artist attending a summer ceramics programme while struggling with concern for her best friend Phoebe, who has recently attempted suicide. As Jade develops new friendships and romantic feelings, the clay creatures she makes begin to come to life. The novel combines realistic experiences of friendship, artistic development and emotional difficulties with elements of magical realism. Slip was published in hardcover and paperback editions on 7 June 2022.