Picture a South Carolina storyteller who conjured a magical world where Black kids wield epic powers—meet B.B. Alston! With his spellbinding Supernatural Investigations series, Alston has captivated young readers and snagged global book deals, all while championing self-acceptance and imagination. His journey from middle school horror tales to a New York Times bestseller is pure magic.
The Making of B.B. Alston
B.B. Alston grew up in a quiet corner of South Carolina, where country roads and cicadas sparked his boundless imagination. As a middle schooler, he thrilled classmates with spooky stories where not everyone survived—a hint of the bold creativity to come. Inspired by fantasy classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alston dreamed of worlds where kids like him, from modest means, could be heroes. Before becoming an author, he was on track for a biomedical career, but a fateful Twitter pitch contest changed everything, launching his writing dreams into reality.
B.B. Alston’s Unforgettable Stories
Alston’s debut, Amari and the Night Brothers, is a middle-grade fantasy that blends Men in Black flair with Percy Jackson magic. It follows Amari Peters, a Black girl from the Atlanta projects, who uncovers a secret supernatural world while searching for her missing brother. The book’s rich world-building, packed with mermaids, weredragons, and evil magicians, dazzles readers, while its themes of resilience and identity resonate deeply. The sequel, Amari and the Great Game, dives into a deadly magical competition, earning starred reviews for its thrilling pace. The third book, Amari and the Despicable Wonders, sees Amari navigating a war-torn supernatural world, cementing Alston’s knack for heart-pounding adventure. His writing sparkles with humor, heart, and #BlackGirlMagic, grounding fantastical tales in real-world issues like prejudice and self-doubt.
Alston’s style is accessible yet vivid, weaving myths and magic into stories that feel both fresh and familiar. He crafts characters who leap off the page, like Amari, whose determination mirrors Alston’s own journey. His focus on Black protagonists fills a gap he felt as a young reader, making his work a beacon for diverse representation in fantasy.
Why B.B. Alston Matters
B.B. Alston’s impact stretches far beyond his page-turning plots. By centering Black kids in fantasy, he’s opened doors for young readers to see themselves as heroes, inspiring them to embrace their uniqueness. His books tackle tough topics like racism and classism with grace, making them both entertaining and empowering. With over 25 book deals worldwide and a Universal Pictures film adaptation in development starring Marsai Martin, Alston’s stories are reaching global audiences. His rise from a Twitter pitch to a #1 New York Times bestseller proves that every kid’s story deserves to be told.
- Born: South Carolina, USA
- Key Works: Amari and the Night Brothers (2021), Amari and the Great Game (2022), Amari and the Despicable Wonders (2024)
- Awards: Barnes & Noble Children’s and YA Book Award winner
- Fun Fact: Alston loves eating too many sweets and exploring country roads!
Ready to dive into a world of magic and heart? Grab Amari and the Night Brothers and let B.B. Alston’s enchanting fantasy sweep you away!