Maya C. Klinger is a children’s author, educator, and lecturer with over twenty years of experience in research, guidance, and education across a variety of groups and ages, from early childhood through university students and adults. She is a passionate storyteller and a skilled lecturer in the fields of Bible studies and elementary-level introductions to World War II and the Holocaust.
Maya has led educational tours throughout Jerusalem and at institutions such as Yad Vashem, the Tower of David Museum, and the Bible Lands Museum. She has taught in kindergartens, elementary schools, and high schools, and has also served as a teaching assistant at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Bible Studies from the Hebrew University, graduating cum laude.
Her debut book, The Photographer’s Son, received the prestigious Yad Vashem Award. Its German edition (Suhrkamp-Insel, 2025) was named “Book of the Month” by the German Academy for Children’s Literature.
Maya's second book, Project Fin Island, is a dystopian YA novel. The book was published in 2023 in Israel, and was listed as a recommended book by the Ministry of Education.
Maya's third book - I Only Like the Red Ones - another middle grade WWII true story - was published in 2024 in Israel and was listed as a recommended book by the Ministry of Education.
Her picture book (Under)standing Stork, was published in 2025.
Maya lives in Maryland with her family. She offers author talks for children, as well as lectures for adults on age-appropriate Holocaust education and on biblical studies in light of Ancient Near East scholarship.
Contact details - mayaklico@gmail.com
In her debut book, Maya tells the story of the Mandil family, a Jewish family of photographers who lead a peaceful life in former Yugoslavia - until a visit to their grandmother's home in Belgrade changes everything.
Told through the eyes of five-year-old Gavra Mandil, the story follows the family as they face growing danger and uncertainty. Using false documents, they escape from Belgrade, only to be imprisoned alongside other Jewish families before being deported to Albania. There, they assume Muslim identities and find refuge for nearly a year in the home of a righteous family who saves their lives.
The Hebrew edition of the book received the prestigious Yad Vashem Award and was later translated into Albanian and German. The German edition, published by Suhrkamp-Insel, was named "Book of the Month" by the German Academy for Children's Literature (June 2025).
This true story, with its universal and hopeful message, offers an age-appropriate introduction to the Holocaust.
2175. The world is governed by the cold and alienated Head Office. Input slots are installed in the brains of six-year-olds, and all kids are forbidden to form relationships until the age of fourteen. On top of that, every adult who reaches the age of sixty is forced to move to an isolated and remote region: Fin-Island.
Like most teenagers, Ruby-G leads a lonely, boring life. His only entertainment is escaping to the virtual world of the Mind Cloud until, on his fourteenth birthday, Ruby-G is assigned a role as a guide for new students at his study center. There, he meets Daria – a fiercely independent girl without an input slot and with a fresh take on the world.
But his life truly takes a turn when, a day after, Ruby-G receives a dire warning from his mother’s distressed assistant. She warns him about a vicious plan that his mother, who oversees Fin-Island at the Head Office,
is about to execute.
With Daria’s help, Ruby-G races against time to save the island’s residents, including his own grandfather, from a terrible fate. The deeper Ruby-G dives into his journey, the harder it is to accept the truth that shatters everything he’s ever believed.
Can one teenage boy go against the all-powerful Head Office – and even worse, his own mother?
Project Fin-Island is a thrilling coming-of-age story of adventure, friendship, betrayal, and fighting for what’s right, even if it means risking it all in the process.
Author Talk Reviews
-
"We had the honor of welcoming a truly remarkable guest to our school - a gifted lecturer, storyteller, and author... Maya's ability to connect with children is extraordinary. She held our students in wrapped attention, nurturing both curiosity and empathy as they journeyed with her through this unforgettable story. An experience that left a lasting impact on every heart in the room." (Ms. Maya Faiman, Sela Charter School)
-
"Thank you for your recent presentation to our students about your fascinating book The Photographer's Son... Your talk about the story was engaging and captivating. The students listened to you and had questions when you were finished. You were able to find the balance between sharing the story and history without exposing the students to the atrocities of that period. In addition, by using your own experience as an educator and your talent to present the story in a dramatic tone, you were able to present the story in a captivating way. We are looking forward to having you come to our school next year." (Ms. Daniella Friedman, Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language Coordinator, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School)
-
"It was a memorable experience for our students and staff." (Ms. Sapna Hopkins, Principal, Tilden Middle School.)