Zoe Tokushige

Author of Airi Sano

Zoe
TOkushige

Zoe Tokushige (she/they) originally hails from Southern California, but has spent the past decade on the East Coast. After attending NYU for a BS in media, culture, and communications, Zoe received an MFA in creative writing from Emerson College before returning to New York to work in publishing. Zoe currently works in pre-press production at Penguin Random House. When not writing, Zoe enjoys crafts, video games, and D&D. Airi Sano, Prankmaster General: New School Skirmish is Zoe’s debut novel.

Photo by Sara Ford

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Cover for New School Skirmish by Monique Sterling

Airi Sano, Prankmaster General: Public Enemy Number One

Philomel Books, September 19, 2023

It’s the spring semester, and Airi Sano is on top of the world! Her grades are up, she has real friends at her side, and she’s joined the school play. She’s even keeping out of trouble and toning down the pranks!

But when the play falls victim to some truly awful pranks, everyone immediately suspects that Airi is behind them. As suspicion mounts, it’s up to her to solve the mystery and clear her own name before the imposter strikes again. Sounds like a job for Airi and her crew!

 
 

Details

Hardcover | $14.99
Published by Philomel Books
Sep 19, 2023 | 288 Pages Middle Grade (8-12)
ISBN 9780593465813

 
 
 

Cover for New School Skirmish by Monique Sterling

Airi Sano, Prankmaster General: New School Skirmish

Philomel Books, September 20, 2022

Meet Airi Sano. After spending her entire childhood moving from one military base to another, she’s excited to be settling down for the long-term in Hawai’i. She’s less excited about her new teacher, who’s determined to make Airi like school. But she’s got a plan: prank her teacher so hard that she gives up on even trying to get Airi to do any work—especially any reading.

But Mrs. Ashton won’t give up, no matter what Airi does. Airi will need the help of her new classmates—who might even be her new friends—to get Mrs. Ashton to crack. It’s time . . . for a prank war!

 
 

Details

Hardcover | $14.99
Published by Philomel Books
Sep 20, 2022 | 304 Pages Middle Grade (8-12)
ISBN 9780593465783

 

praise for Airi Sano

“Nonstop laughs, mischief, and fun.” Kirkus for Public Enemy Number One

“Tokushige embeds her tale and its realistically multicultural cast in a Hawaiian setting that positively bursts with vivid details of daily life, speech, and spirit.” Booklist (Starred Review)

“A hilarious, charming story full of humor and mischief.” Kirkus for New School Skirmish

“The ultimate prankster has arrived! She’s clever, creative, and ready to cause a little trouble. With her scrappy attitude and an unlimited supply of classroom antics, Airi Sano is guaranteed to keep readers on their toes!” –Booki Vivat, New York Times bestselling author of the Frazzled series

“Zoe Tokushige’s debut novel is clever, heartfelt, and fun! Readers will fall in love with Airi Sano’s doodles, reports, and flair for pranks.” –Maia and Alex Shibutani, authors of the Kudo Kids series and Amazing: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Inspire Us All

“You’ll fall for the stupendous Airi and her hilarious hijinks!” –Remy Lai, award-winning author of Pie in the Sky

 

Representation

Part of the Cake Creative Kitchen family
For any requests, please contact Suzie Townsend at New Leaf

 

School Visits

Request a remote or in-person visit through Penguin Classroom.

 

Contact

 

 Land Acknowledgement

I am the descendant of Japanese immigrants to Hawai’i. I acknowledge Hawai’i as an Indigenous space where the descendants of the original people are Kanaka Maoli. I recognize that her majesty Queen Lili’uokalani yielded the Hawaiian Kingdom and these territories under duress and protest to the United States to avoid the bloodshed of her people. I further recognize that generations of Indigenous Hawaiians and their knowledge systems shaped Hawai’i in a sustainable away that allows us to enjoy her gifts today. For this, I am grateful, and I seek to support the Kanaka Maoli in their efforts to protect their land and communities.