Marguerite Dabaie is a freelance illustrator and has worked with such organizations as School Library Journal, Mizna, and Just World Books, among others. The Hookah Girl and Other True Stories is her first major comic, and it was awarded two grants. She lives in New York City with her husband, Chris.

"Reading The Hookah Girl , I felt like I was sitting in Dabaie's childhood home, surrounded by family, home cooking, laughter and stories of their homeland. This is a book that, like its author, refuses to squeeze itself into a box: full of heartbreak and humor, history and pride. I'm so glad that this collection of comics in all their intricate, loving detail are finally available to a wider readership. It's about time." Sarah Glidden, author of How to Understand Israel in 60 Days and Rolling Blackouts