Kyo Maclear is a Canadian novelist and children's author known for her captivating storytelling and diverse literary contributions. Born in London, England, Kyo moved to Toronto, Canada, at a young age, where she was raised in a culturally rich environment. Her father, Michael Maclear, is a respected journalist and documentary filmmaker, while her mother, Yoko Maclear, is a Japanese artist and gallerist.
Kyo's educational background is as impressive as her literary works. She pursued fine art and art history at the University of Toronto, which provided a solid foundation for her creative endeavors. Her passion for learning led her to complete a Master of Arts in cultural studies at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in 1996, and she further expanded her academic horizon by obtaining a doctorate in environmental humanities and education at York University in 2018.
As an essayist, novelist, and children's author, Kyo's books have resonated with readers worldwide, being translated into eighteen languages and published in over twenty-five countries. Her works have received critical acclaim and numerous nominations from prestigious awards such as the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction, the Governor General's Literary Awards, and the TD Canadian Children's Literature Awards. Her hybrid memoir Birds Art Life (2017) was a #1 National bestseller, sharing her insightful exploration of the nature of creativity and the joys of discovering the beauty in the everyday.
Kyo Maclear's latest book, Unearthing, delves into a story of family secrets and the complexities of inheritance beyond mere genetics. Her narrative skillfully intertwines personal history with broader themes of identity and belonging, making her a beloved figure in contemporary literature.