Has a brother, working as her lawyer, and a sister.
Supports Exilio, an organization supporting refugees and victims of
torture, and Häusliche Kinderkrankenpflege, a charity in Hamburg taking
care of sick children.
Was voted into "Time" magazine's list of the 100 most influential
people of 2005.
After graduating at the Hamburg School of Design, she worked as a board
game designer and children's book illustrator.
Her breakthrough novel "Thief Lord" has been translated in 23
languages since its 2000 release in Germany.
Has two children: Anna-Lena (born in 1990) and Benjamin (born in
1995).
Having a degree in education theory, she worked as a social worker in
Hamburg. During that period, she discovered the stories that grasped
the imagination of children.
Has lived in Los Angeles with her family since May 2005.