Picture a storyteller who spun tales of ballet, identity, and resilience from the heart of the Missouri Ozarks—meet Brandy Colbert! This award-winning author has carved a niche in young adult literature with her unflinching, heartfelt stories that tackle tough topics like race, mental health, and self-discovery. From her debut novel to her powerful nonfiction, Colbert’s work resonates with readers craving authentic voices and diverse representation.
Now based in Los Angeles, Colbert crafts narratives that blend raw emotion with lyrical prose, earning accolades like the Stonewall Book Award and a loyal following. Her journey from a small-town dreamer to a literary star is as inspiring as the characters she creates. Let’s dive into the world of Brandy Colbert!
The Making of Brandy Colbert
Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Brandy Colbert grew up in the Ozarks, surrounded by stories. Her parents fueled her love for books, taking her to bookstores and libraries where she devoured works by Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, and Barthe DeClements. By age seven, she was scribbling her own tales, dreaming of becoming an author. A journalism degree from Missouri State University honed her craft, while exposure to Toni Morrison’s Sula and other diverse voices shaped her perspective. After working as a magazine editor, Colbert poured her passion into fiction, debuting with Pointe in 2014.
Brandy Colbert’s Unforgettable Stories
Colbert’s novels are a masterclass in blending gritty realism with emotional depth. Her debut, Pointe, follows Theo, a Black ballerina grappling with an eating disorder and a friend’s abduction. It won the 2014 Cybils Award and was lauded for its nuanced take on trauma. Little & Lion (2017), a Stonewall Book Award winner, explores bisexuality and mental health through Suzette, a Black, Jewish teen navigating her stepbrother’s bipolar disorder. The novel’s intersectional lens earned starred reviews and spots on best-of lists.
In The Only Black Girls in Town (2020), her middle-grade debut, Colbert crafts a mystery-driven tale of two Black girls uncovering secrets in a predominantly white town. Her nonfiction work, Black Birds in the Sky (2021), tackles the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, earning the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for its unflinching historical clarity. Colbert’s style—vivid, empathetic, and unflinchingly honest—makes her stories mirrors for marginalized readers and windows for others.
Recent works like The Blackwoods (2023) weave multigenerational sagas, cementing her knack for complex characters and cultural commentary. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, Colbert tackles heavy themes with a gentle touch, ensuring her stories resonate across age groups.
Why Brandy Colbert Matters
Brandy Colbert’s impact on young adult literature lies in her fearless commitment to representation. Her characters—Black, queer, Jewish, and multifaceted—reflect the diversity of real life, offering young readers validation and visibility. Growing up in a predominantly white town, Colbert felt like an outsider, a perspective she channels into stories that confront microaggressions and systemic racism head-on. Her work sparks conversations about identity and justice, making her a vital voice in today’s literary landscape.
As a faculty member at Hamline University’s MFA program, Colbert mentors the next generation of writers, amplifying diverse stories. Her accolades, from the Stonewall to Junior Library Guild selections, underscore her influence, but it’s her ability to connect with readers that truly defines her legacy.
- Born: Springfield, Missouri
- Key Works: Pointe, Little & Lion, Black Birds in the Sky, The Blackwoods
- Awards: 2014 Cybils Award, 2018 Stonewall Book Award, 2022 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award
- Fun Fact: She started writing stories at age seven!
Snag Little & Lion or Black Birds in the Sky and dive into Brandy Colbert’s vibrant, soul-stirring world of young adult literature!