Working at the intersection of nature, literature, and culture, Méina Mangal’s writing centers youth whose voices are rarely heard, and the people and places from the past and present that inspire them to explore their world.  She has authored a number of biographies, including The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just, winner of the Carter G. Woodson Award and named an NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. Her short stories have been published by Milkweed Editions, Carolina Wren Press/Blair Publishing, Spider magazine, and Bravery. Her picture book, Jayden’s Impossible Garden, won the first Strive/Free Spirit African American Voices in Children’s Literature contest, was recognized as a Blueberry Honor book by the Evanston Public Library for inspiring love of nature and action for planet earth, was named One of the Best Children's Books of the Year by Bank Street Center for Children’s Literature, and was nominated for the Minnesota Star of the North Reading Award. Mélina's forthcoming picture book, Jayden’s Secret Ingredient, focuses on finding nature and creating community. Her latest YA short story appears in Boundless: Twenty Voices Celebrating Multicultural and Multiracial Identities. Mélina works as a school library media teacher in Minnesota and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.