Bio

Karen Briner grew up in South Africa, where her childhood garden was home to wild chameleons. She received a BA in English and Psychology from the University of Cape Town and a Post-Graduate Higher Diploma in Journalism from Rhodes University. The author of three middle grade novels, Cassandra’s Quest (Human & Rousseau, 2000), Snowize & Snitch: Highly Effective Defective Detectives (Holiday House, 2016), and Starry, Starry Heist (Holiday House, 2025). She has also written for television, including for the award-winning South African animated series Magic Cellar and the medical drama Jozi H, which she co-created. Her screenplay, Amanzi, won third prize in Final Draft’s Big Break contest.