Mari Hanes is an American author of Japanese descent. She is known for her work "Kira-Kira," which won the Newbery Medal in 2005. She has written several books for children and young adults, often exploring themes of cultural identity, family, and resilience. Other works include "We'll Never Be Apart" and "My Hands Tell a Story." Hanes is recognized for her ability to create deep characters and emotional narratives.