Polly Ho-Yen author page

Polly Ho-Yen biography

Polly Ho-Yen is a British author known for her imaginative and emotionally resonant children’s fiction. Her stories often intertwine elements of the fantastical with real-world themes, offering young readers narratives that explore resilience, friendship, and personal growth.

Born in Northampton and raised in Buckinghamshire, Ho-Yen studied English at the University of Birmingham. She began her professional career working in publishing before transitioning to teaching, taking up a role as a primary school teacher in London. It was during this period that she started writing early in the mornings, a practice that led to the creation of her debut novel, Boy in the Tower (2014). The book received critical acclaim, being shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, and the Federation of Children’s Book Groups Book Award.

Following her debut, Ho-Yen continued to write novels that blend the everyday with the extraordinary. Her subsequent works include Where Monsters Lie (2016), Fly Me Home (2017), How I Saved the World in a Week (2021), and The Last Dragon (2024). She has also authored shorter fiction for younger readers, such as The Boy Who Grew a Tree and The Girl Who Became a Fish, both illustrated by Sojung Kim-McCarthy. Her books have been recognised for their ability to address complex emotions and situations in a manner accessible to children.

In addition to her writing, Ho-Yen is actively involved in promoting literacy and storytelling among young people. She established the Bristol Teen Book Award, aimed at encouraging reading for pleasure among secondary school students in the city. Ho-Yen frequently visits schools across the UK, engaging with students and educators to inspire a love of reading and writing.

Polly Ho-Yen resides in Bristol with her husband and daughter. She continues to write full-time, contributing to children’s literature with stories that resonate with readers and reflect the diverse experiences of young people.

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Book lists featuring Polly Ho-Yen