Brandy Colbert was born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks, has a bachelor's degree in Journalism, and has worked as an editor for several national magazines. She lives and writes in Los Angeles. Her first novel, POINTE, will be published by Penguin on April 10, 2014.
Girls Like Her (2024) Melanie Sumrow "Girls Like Her is a compelling study of the impossible choices faced by millions of young girls today. In this heartbreaking and hopeful story, Melanie Sumrow reminds us to look and listen to those who need it most."
Where You See Yourself (2023) Claire Forrest "A sweet, moving, and triumphant story about finding your voice and the power of taking up space in a world that doesn't always see you. Claire Forrest is a much-needed voice in young adult literature."
If Tomorrow Doesn't Come (2023) Jen St Jude "If Tomorrow Doesn't Come is a brilliant story of hope, healing, and resilience from a thoughtful and fearless new voice in YA."
The Firefly Summer (2023) Morgan Matson "The Firefly Summer is an ode to warm summer nights, bittersweet memories, and the enduring love of family. I loved every page of this charming, clever story."
We Deserve Monuments (2022) Jas Hammonds "We Deserve Monuments is an exquisite story about the value of family, the danger of long-held secrets, and the beauty of first love. I can't wait to read everything Jas Hammonds writes."
The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond (2022) Amanda Glaze "The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond is a magical, magnificent work of historical fiction. With pitch-perfect dialogue and a sharp eye for detail, Amanda Glaze beautifully brings 1880s Sacramento to life. This is a story I won't soon forget and a new voice you don't want to miss."
What's Coming to Me (2022) Francesca Padilla "Raw and unflinching, What's Coming to Me is a beautiful story about the uncertainty of adolescence, the burden of grief, and all the ways love can surprise you. I so enjoyed spending time with Minerva Gutierrez, and Francesca Padilla is a writer to watch."
Don't Call Me a Hurricane (2022) Ellen Hagan "Urgent and romantic, Don't Call Me a Hurricane beautifully demonstrates the strength of community and the power of love."
A Song Called Home (2022) Sara Zarr "A Song Called Home is the kind of middle grade novel I adore: warm and deeply honest with characters so real you could touch them. Lou's struggles with family, friends, and big life changes are relatable, heartbreaking, and vividly drawn - trademarks of Sara Zarr's exquisite writing. This story will stick with me for years to come."
The Darkness Outside Us (2021) (Darkness Outside Us, book 1) Eliot Schrefer "The Darkness Outside Us is equal parts terrifying, tender, and thrilling. I loved every word of this sharp, thoughtful look at the world we live in and the ones beyond."
Love Is a Revolution (2021) Renée Watson "Reading a Renée Watson novel is like having an intimate conversation with a friend (or, in this case, a cousin-sister-friend). Love Is a Revolution is a powerful look at a young Black girl's journey to self-acceptance in all facets of her life, and a beautiful example of how communities become family."
The Black Kids (2020) Christina Hammonds Reed "Infused with honesty, heart, and humor, The Black Kids is a true love letter to Los Angeles, highlighting the beauty and flaws of the city, and the people who call it home."
When You Were Everything (2020) Ashley Woodfolk "Ashley Woodfolk's When You Were Everything is a nuanced view of the complicated layers of teenage friendship. In gorgeous, evocative prose, Woodfolk explores the different types of love that feed, wound, and heal us."
Look (2020) Zan Romanoff "[Zan Romanoff] is one of the best YA writers working today."
Far from the Tree (2017) Robin Benway "Far from the Tree is a touching story about the strength and love of unconventional families, and the unbreakable bond of siblings near and far. Robin Benway's characters are authentically crafted, full of heart, hurt, and hope."
