Debbie Leung Yamada

Debbie Leung Yamada is a 2nd generation Chinese American born and raised in Southern California. Striking It Rich – Treasures from Gold Mountain is her first young adult novel. She has been married to Tommy for 27 years and resides in Long Beach, California. They have two children, Christie (21 years old) and Michael (18 years old). Debbie graduated from the University of California, Irvine and received her B.A. in Art History. She earned her M.A. in Asian Art History from the University of Hawaii. In addition to maintaining a part-time craft business, Debbie is a part-time art instructor for a company called “Meet the Masters.” She gives lectures on famous artists for students ranging from kindergarten to 6th grade.

The author has spoken to both adults and children at the Organization of Chinese American National Annual Convention, Seattle, Washington, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Long Beach, California School Librarians Association-All Regional Workshop, California School Librarians Association Annual Conference, Reading the World Multicultural Literature for Children – University of San Francisco, Ranchos Los Cerritos Historical Museum, Long Beach, Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, Haggin Museum, Stockton, California, 60 schools in Northern and Southern California, numerous historical organizations and community groups. She has made appearances at the LA Times Festival of Books and the LA Times “Kid City” all city events.