Kristīne Ulberga

Kristīne UIberga (born in Riga, 1979) Is a Latvian writer of novels for youth and adults. She studied theology at the University of Latvia. Her first novel Es grāmatas nelasu/ I Don't Read Books (2008, published also in English), was awarded the Jānis Baltvilks Prize  prior to publication as the best manuscript in the fiction category for young adults. Her inspiration to write for young people came as a challenge to create novels that would encourage young people to read contemporary literature. The book was successful and popular, and two sequels were published. Her first novel for adults The Green Crow/Zaļā vārna was published in 2011 and won both the Raimonds Gerkens Prize as best original work of literature and the Annual Latvian Literature Prize in 2012. It is a book about the desire to be understood and search for the self, about change. Luckily, the Green Crow is there to help, and the search turns into a breathtaking journey. Ulberga has also published several short stories in Latvian literary magazines, newspapers, and anthologies. Currently, Ulberga is working on her next novels and teaches creative writing to young adults.