Between the Pages
October 6, 2025
The Middle School and Upper School welcomed Jen Wang as the 2025 Between the Pages author.
On Sept. 26, during two sessions at The Schiff Center, Wang discussed her journey to becoming an author and an illustrator and the importance of starting the journey.
“You can take as many classes as you want, as many lessons, but if you don’t actually start writing, or drawing, or whatever you’re trying to do, then you won’t be able to develop your own voice and style,” Wang said to Middle School students. “People ask me what I used to draw, and I learned with whatever I had at home, which meant pencils and the ballpoint pens my parents picked up from banks, hotels, and wherever. Use what’s accessible to you.”
Wang also shared what drew her towards illustrations and the process of creating a graphic novel from start to finish.
She explained how she began her career with web comics before moving to print.
After her talk, students had the opportunity to ask questions ranging from what inspires her to themes in her novels to her favorite dog breed.
“Between the Pages is an annual event in the fall that seeks to bring in a diverse array of YA authors who write in a wide variety of genres,” Middle and Upper School head librarian Megan Whitt said. “We have so many creative and talented students; I wanted our community to hear from an artist who is also a writer. I chose Wang because her most recent book, ‘Ash’s Cabin’ has been a popular choice for students in the library. Many of her older books have also been very popular with our students over the years. She even drew unique little pictures for each student while signing books after her talk!”
Her works also include “The Prince and the Dressmaker,” “Koko Be Good,” “In Real Life,” and more.
