Guitar Hanna
More Than Six Strings
GUITAR HANNA is an Egyptian American, raised in Southern California amid the Coptic Christian community. Her parents left Egypt in pursuit of the American Dream during the mid-1970s, thinking of a prosperous future for their children. However, this national spirit of opportunity, prosperity, and success was challenging to achieve for a first-generation female immigrant who was late to understanding and reading the English language. With persistent determination and encouragement, Guitar vowed not to waste her education. She graduated from university with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. Her love of science extended into a career in medicine and she practices pediatrics in Central Oregon, serving as the medical director and child abuse expert at a children’s advocacy center.
Guitar shares her life with her Irish American husband and together they are raising three multiracial daughters. They have become a world-traveling family, having visited sixteen countries in the past twelve years. Guitar’s journey of motherhood and her professional career in medicine have directly inspired her to write children’s picture books that broaden young readers’ understanding of our fascinating and diverse world. She is an active member of SCBWI; attending writing conferences and participating in multiple critique groups.
Guitar is dedicated to writing stories for early readers—to foster their growth and development, and perhaps shape the adults they will become. Her lyrical words blend her love of science with her passion for writing books for children.
Guitar is represented by literary agent Marisa Cleveland at the Seymour Agency.
fun facts about guitar
Guitar is a bit of a daredevil. She has skydived over Southern California, bungee jumped from a bridge in Ecuador, climbed ice glaciers on Mt. Cotopaxi, and white water rafted throughout Central Oregon.
In 2007, Guitar had the rare opportunity to study aerospace medicine with NASA at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
Space Shuttle STS-120/Discovery launched on October 23, 2007, and Guitar was part of the medical team that stood in awe at the front line, supporting the astronauts.
Guitar and her family love to explore – from their backyard to their city and state, to their country, and the world. Together, they have traveled to 18 countries in the past 14 years.
Guitar loves savoring every taste, exploring new landscapes, immersing herself in fascinating cultures, breathing in the brilliant colors of sunsets, and exploring the many Wonders of the World.
Guitar…a musical name. So it’s no surprise that she loves music and the movement it brings to her life. She enjoys live music festivals, operas, large arena concerts, intimate performances, and the good ole’ radio.
She has met many musical artists over the years.
