Jaimal Yogis

As a writer, surfer, and seeker, Jaimal Yogis has always been drawn to the places where inner worlds meet outer adventure. His stories don’t just entertain—they reflect a lifelong search for meaning, often unfolding at the edge of the ocean or within the rhythm of ancient myth. Whether crafting lyrical nonfiction about mindfulness or diving into the dragon-filled skies of middle-grade fantasy, Yogis writes with a grounded heart and a curious spirit.

Raised in California, he ran away to Hawaii as a teenager in search of waves—and maybe something more. That journey would inspire his bestselling memoir Saltwater Buddha, a coming-of-age tale that wove Zen teachings with surf culture. The voice he found there—introspective, clear-eyed, and gently humorous—has remained a signature across his work, from adult reflections like All Our Waves Are Water to his deeply imaginative City of Dragons series for younger readers.

In City of Dragons, Yogis brings together sweeping fantasy, Chinese folklore, and real-world emotional depth. His protagonist, Grace, may be surrounded by storm-wielding dragons and ancient secrets, but her courage, grief, and growth feel intimately human. These stories have resonated with readers across the world, not just for their magical landscapes, but for the way they hold space for identity, friendship, and healing.

Beyond the page, Yogis is a longtime practitioner of meditation and mindfulness—a thread that subtly influences his narratives. Whether he's exploring dragon lore or the ebb and flow of personal growth, his writing invites readers to pause, reflect, and see the magic in the everyday.

With his feet in the sand and his imagination in the clouds, Jaimal Yogis continues to craft stories that ripple across age groups, always returning to one quiet truth: every journey begins within.