About Michelle

Michelle Quach (rhymes with “rock”) is a freelance designer and young adult author living in Chicago. Originally from Southern California, she’s Chinese Vietnamese American and a graduate of Harvard University, where she studied history and literature.

Her debut novel, NOT HERE TO BE LIKED, was a NYTimes new and upcoming YA book to watch for, as well as an NPR, Kirkus, and Parents Magazine best book of the year. It was also shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

When not writing, Michelle loves telling visual stories through design and data. To view her portfolio, reach out here.

Agents: Jenny Bent, Gemma Cooper, and Mary Pender-Coplan (film)

SELECTED PRESS

Podcasts
Truer Words - #68: Michelle Quach
Books and Boba - #152: Author Chat with Michelle Quach

Interviews
We Need Diverse Books Blog - Q&A With Michelle Quach, Not Here to Be Liked
United by Pop - Michelle Quach on Her Gloriously Feminist YA Debut, Not Here to be Liked
The Quiet Pond - Our Friend is Here! An Interview with Michelle Quach, Author of Not Here to Be Liked

Features & Lists
American Library Association - Rise: A Feminist Book Project List
Buzzfeed - 25 Great Books You May Have Missed This Year
Kirkus Reviews - Best YA Romance of 2021
Parents Magazine - 30 Best Children's Books of 2021
Irish Independent - The Best Children’s Books This Autumn
Irish Times - October's Best New YA: Poetry, Philosophy, Politics (and Kissing)
Girls Life - Pick Your Fave Fall Drink and Get Your *Perfect* Fall Read...
New York Times - 16 New and Upcoming Young Adult Books to Watch For

Reviews
Not Here to Be Liked
San Francisco Book Review
NPR Books
Booklist
Kirkus Reviews (Starred)

The Boy You Always Wanted
Booklist
Kirkus Reviews
Publisher’s Weekly

Awards & Recognition
Waterstones Children’s Book Prize - Shortlisted