Maria Rousaki

Maria Rousaki, born in New York in 1974 with roots in Alagonia, Kalamata, is a distinguished and award-winning author of children's literature. Her very first book, “Unique Monique”, marked the beginning of her successful career, winning the Greek Children's Book Circle Award in 2002 and the prestigious Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Book Award in 2003 in the USA (as “Unique Monique”), where it was also featured on the television series “The Reading Rainbow.” Many of her books, such as “The Lemon Trees” and “Swimming in the Deep,” have been nominated for State Awards, while others have been shortlisted for the “O Anagnostis” awards. With an international presence, representing Greece through SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and with her works translated into many languages, Maria Rousaki was also nominated for “Author of the Year” by Votre Beaute magazine in 2017.