Suja Sukumar fell in love with fiction novels at a very young age and though life took her on a different route and into the medical field, she remained a staunch reader and bedtime storyteller to her kids. The switch from reader to fiction writer happened when she noticed the dearth of main characters from the South Asian diaspora in young adult crime fiction.
She has since been writing YA suspense novels featuring South Asian main characters battling villains while also dealing with their own inner demons.
Apart from being an author, she is also a senior staff physician in a major health system in suburban Detroit, where she lives with her family and an elderly cat. She spends any downtime she has haunting local coffee shops and Indian restaurants, drawing inspiration from naan and malai kofta, masala chai and lassi.
When Mimi Went Missing is her debut novel.
A member of SCBWI, Crime Writers of Color, SinC, and ITW, she is represented by Zabé Ellor at the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency.
School visits/ book club:
When Mimi Went Missing would be perfect for discussion in teen book clubs/libraries as it addresses themes of bullying and mental illness, peer pressure, and social ostracism as well as complex and manipulative teen relationships.
This review is from a school librarian:
"Straight Talk for School Librarians: This book can be used to address themes of bullying, mental health, and the complexities of relationships among adolescents. It can serve as a springboard for discussions on the impact of peer pressure and the importance of supportive friendships. Librarians can organize book clubs or reading circles where students can engage in thoughtful discussions about the characters’ motivations and the consequences of their actions. Additionally, teachers can incorporate creative writing assignments where students explore alternate endings or character perspectives, enhancing critical thinking and empathy. By connecting the book's themes with real-life scenarios, educators can foster a safe space for students to discuss their experiences and feelings, making the story not just an entertaining read but a valuable educational tool in understanding and navigating complex social dynamics and mental health. This book is written by a local Detroit area author. Once you start reading it, it's hard to put down. The story is quick-paced. Lots of action, suspense, twists and thrills. The story is a bit darker, but I feel like that is popular with teens right now. I think this book would be a popular choice in any high school library.
“Sukumar’s debut gives readers a glimpse into the harrowing world of social ostracism and the manipulation teenage girls often contend with. While it is a well-executed thriller, the book’s power is in the deep character exploration of Tanvi as a young woman finding her inner strength. Readers will be inspired by this story of resilience in the face of multiple traumas.” —Booklist