Picture a storyteller whose words weave hope, identity, and resilience into the hearts of young readers—meet Alicia D. Williams! This American author, celebrated for her authentic and powerful young adult and children’s literature, brings diversity and depth to stories that resonate worldwide. Her debut novel, Genesis Begins Again, tackled tough topics like colorism and self-worth, earning accolades and a special place in readers’ hearts.
With a background as an educator and a passion for storytelling, Williams crafts narratives that empower young people to embrace their unique identities. Her work, infused with humor, heart, and cultural richness, is making waves in contemporary literature, and she’s just getting started!
The Making of Alicia D. Williams
Born on September 26, 1970, in Detroit, Michigan, Alicia D. Williams grew up surrounded by stories. Her father’s family were natural-born storytellers, regaling her with tales that sparked her love for narrative. After high school, she studied African American Studies at the University of Kentucky, earning her BA in 1994. Williams then moved to New York City, where she trained at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, performing in plays, commercials, and comedy sketches.
Life took her back to Detroit and later to Charlotte, North Carolina, as a flight attendant, but her creative spark never dimmed. In 2009, she committed to writing a book, attending conferences and eventually earning an MFA from Hamline University. As a Master Teaching Artist, she blended drama, movement, and storytelling in school residencies, inspiring her to write stories that reflect the lives of her students.
Alicia D. Williams’s Unforgettable Stories
Williams’s debut novel, Genesis Begins Again (2019), is a poignant middle-grade story about a 13-year-old girl grappling with colorism, poverty, and self-acceptance. Praised by the New York Times as reminiscent of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, it won a Newbery Honor, the Coretta Scott King–John Steptoe Award, and was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize and William C. Morris Award. Its raw honesty and hopeful tone struck a chord with readers.
Her picture book biographies, Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston (2021) and Shirley Chisholm Dared: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress (2021), celebrate trailblazing Black women. The latter earned the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award. Her 2024 verse novel, Mid-Air, longlisted for the National Book Award, explores grief and friendship through a tender-hearted teen boy. Williams’s style blends lyrical prose, cultural authenticity, and themes of resilience, making her work both accessible and profound.
Whether through novels or picture books, Williams infuses her African American heritage and storytelling roots into her work. Her narratives often tackle heavy topics with grace, offering young readers empathy and inspiration to navigate their own challenges.
Why Alicia D. Williams Matters
Alicia D. Williams is reshaping young adult and children’s literature by centering diverse voices and complex issues. Her stories empower readers to confront topics like identity, grief, and societal prejudice while finding strength in their own narratives. As an educator, her arts-integrated teaching has inspired countless students to tell their stories, amplifying her impact beyond the page.
Her awards and recognition highlight her growing influence, but it’s her ability to connect with readers—especially young people of color—that cements her legacy. Williams’s work is a beacon of hope, showing that stories can heal, uplift, and inspire change in a world that needs it.
- Born: September 26, 1970, Detroit, Michigan
- Key Works: Genesis Begins Again, Jump at the Sun, Shirley Chisholm Dared, Mid-Air
- Awards: Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King–John Steptoe Award, Jane Addams Children’s Book Award
Snag Genesis Begins Again or Mid-Air and dive into Alicia D. Williams’s heartfelt, transformative stories today!