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 debut picture book—Snow Steps—came out in November 2024 from WorthyKids/Hachette and was a finalist in the 2025 Minnesota Book Awards and the Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards. Her latest YA book—Fascinating Fungi—received three starred reviews and was named a 2025 Kirkus Best Teen & YA Nonfiction and a School Library Journal Best Books of 2025. Her other books have received a 2023 Mathical Book Prize Honor and a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers. Karen lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with her family, where they explore all the wild places they can find.
