Dhonielle Clayton was born in the suburbs of Washington, DC and spent her childhood Saturdays at the comic book store with her father and most evenings hiding beneath her grandmother’s dining room table with a stack of books. She earned a BA in English at Wake Forest University. She was an English teacher for three years and worked with educational curriculum. Being surrounded by children, Dhonielle re-discovered her love of children’s literature and earned a masters in children’s and young adult literature from Hollins University. Currently, she is working on both middle grade and young adult novel projects. She moved to NYC where she earned her MFA at the New School's MFA Program. She is co-founder of CAKE Literary, a literary development studio committed to bringing diversity to high concept content.
The Manifestor Prophecy (2023) (Nic Blake and the Remarkables, book 1) Angie Thomas "Exploding with heart, humor, and all things Black Girl Magic, Nic Blake and the Remarkables is a triumph of friendship and Black Southern folklore and history."
White Smoke (2021) Tiffany D Jackson "With a gripping plot and punch-to-the-heart stakes, Tiffany D. Jackson’s Grown exposes the underbelly of a tough conversationthe seductive abuse of older men who prey on teen girlsproviding a searing examination of misogynoir, rape culture, and the vulnerability of young black girls. Groundbreaking, heart wrenching, and essential reading for all in the #MeToo era."
The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina (2021) Zoraida Córdova "A bloody and beautiful inheritance, Córdova’s adult debut delves into the dark legacies ancestors leave behind with the living. Intoxicating and unforgettable."
Sisters of the Snake (2021) (Ria & Rani, book 1) Sarena Nanua and Sasha Nanua "A decadent and enthralling debut, Sisters of the Snake lures readers into a dark and twisted world of intoxicating magic, starcrossed sisters, and heart pounding romance. Sasha and Sarena Nanua are a powerhouse duo to watch!"
Witches Steeped in Gold (2021) (Witches Steeped in Gold, book 1) Ciannon Smart "A bloody and deadly delight, Witches Steeped In Gold puts power into the hands of Black girls the true, beating heart of magic!"
Legendborn (2020) (Legendborn, book 1) Tracy Deonn "A King Arthur reimagining that adds seats to the roundtable, inviting new readers to find themselves within its lore, Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn braids southern folk traditions and Black Girl Magic into a searing modern tale of grief, power and self-discovery."
The Year of the Witching (2020) (Bethel, book 1) Alexis Henderson "The Year of the Witching is a dark wood ready to swallow you whole with its tense stakes and beguiling prose. Henderson takes witchcraft to its very depths, unraveling the horrific nightmares of bone-deep ideology and devastating oppression, and giving readers a complex heroine ready to face fire."
A Song Below Water (2020) (Song Below Water, book 1) Bethany C Morrow "A watery and melodic crossroads of the real and the mythic, A Song Below Water lures readers with its seductive and beautifully black siren song. An enthralling tale of black girl magic and searing social commentary ready to rattle the bones."
War Girls (2019) (War Girls , book 1) Tochi Onyebuchi "War Girls is a brutal and spectacular feat of imagination."
A River of Royal Blood (2019) (River of Royal Blood, book 1) Amanda Joy "A dark and bloody delight of a debut, Amanda Joy's A River of Royal Blood is a seductive tapestry of extraordinary magick delving into the terrifying lengths we will go to claim our destiny."
The Good Luck Girls (2019) (Good Luck Girls, book 1) Charlotte Nicole Davis "A dust-filled, bloody fairy tale-the price of freedom is high, but it's worth fighting for at all costs."
Black Wings Beating (2018) (Skybound Saga, book 1) Alex London "A ferocious fantasy world coupled with two formidable protagonists, Black Wings Beating is a heart-pounding story that lures readers deep into the high-stakes tradition of falconry, and challenges them to examine what they'd be willing to do in order to protect those they love. Stunning and arresting; a must-read."
Seafire (2018) (Seafire Trilogy, book 1) Natalie C Parker "In these turbulent times, Seafire gives teens just what they need: A reminder that with unity and courage, they can rise up and ultimately change the world."
The Beauty That Remains (2018) Ashley Woodfolk "The Beauty That Remains is haunting, heart-wrenching, and powerful. A tale of grief that grapples with what's next after you lose a loved one, this book will remind you to hold fast to those you love, share your heart while you have time, and find the music that makes this wild ride of life better. A tearjerker must-read for teens!"
Broken Beautiful Hearts (2018) Kami Garcia "A heartbreaking novel of shattered dreams, broken hearts, and finding new paths forward. Broken Beautiful Hearts is deliciously sexy, dangerous, and heartfelt. You’ll root for Peyton to open her heart, despite the risk, and try to get all the things she wants. Kami Garcia has weaved a story that lingers in your heart long after it’s done."
A Conspiracy of Stars (2018) (Faloiv, book 1) Olivia A Cole "Olivia A. Cole constructs a future world that is both fascinating and terrifying, hooking you immediately. Octavia’s mission unearths painful truths about the relationships between power, responsibility, and indigenous sovereignty. This book grabs your heart and will haunt you long after. A must-read!"