Picture a Kansas City kid, dreaming big in a closet with a flashlight and encyclopedias, who grew up to become a trailblazing children’s author—meet Derrick Barnes! With his vibrant stories celebrating Black joy, Barnes has redefined children’s literature, crafting tales that make kids feel seen, loved, and unstoppable.
Barnes didn’t just stumble into writing; his journey is a testament to passion and perseverance, transforming from a Hallmark copywriter to a National Book Award finalist. His books, like Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, are more than stories—they’re love letters to Black kids and families everywhere.
The Making of Derrick Barnes
Born on August 9, 1975, in Kansas City, Missouri, Derrick Barnes grew up in a single-parent household raised by his mother, Catherine. As a young boy, he found refuge in books, tying a shoestring around a flashlight to read encyclopedias in his closet. Influenced by Langston Hughes’s dialogue and Stevie Wonder’s lyrical rhythm, Barnes discovered his love for storytelling. At Jackson State University, where he earned a marketing degree in 1999, he honed his craft as a poet and advice columnist, setting the stage for his literary career.
After college, Barnes broke barriers as the first African-American male copywriter at Hallmark Cards. There, he met illustrator Gordon C. James, whose agent offered Barnes a deal to write children’s books. Despite setbacks, including displacement by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Barnes’s determination never wavered, leading him to a multi-book deal with Scholastic.
Derrick Barnes’s Unforgettable Stories
Barnes’s books are a celebration of Black culture, brimming with confidence, humor, and heart. His 2017 picture book, Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, captures the swagger of a Black boy’s barbershop visit, earning a Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor, and Kirkus Prize. Its rhythmic prose and vibrant themes of self-pride resonate with readers of all ages.
The Ruby and the Booker Boys series, starting with Brand New School, Brave New Ruby in 2008, follows spirited Ruby and her mischievous brothers, offering relatable tales of family and community. I Am Every Good Thing (2020) is a powerful affirmation of Black boys’ worth, winning a second Kirkus Prize and a Charlotte Huck Award. His 2022 graphic novel, Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice, co-written with Tommie Smith, chronicles the Olympian’s iconic protest, earning a National Book Award finalist nod.
Barnes’s style blends poetic flair, hip-hop cadence, and authentic dialogue, creating stories that feel like a warm hug. He avoids heavy-handed racial themes, instead normalizing Black excellence through everyday moments—first days of school, barbershop visits, or sibling bonds.
Why Derrick Barnes Matters
Derrick Barnes has reshaped children’s literature by centering Black joy and resilience. His stories empower Black children to see themselves as heroes, while inviting all readers to embrace diversity. Awards like the Newbery Honor and YALSA Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction highlight his impact, but his true legacy lies in the kids who read his books and feel unstoppable.
Barnes’s work also inspires educators and writers, proving that authentic storytelling can break barriers. By drawing from his own life—his four sons, his faith, and his roots—he’s built a body of work that will outlive him, as he hoped: “A body of work that will make people feel good about themselves.”
- Born: August 9, 1975, Kansas City, Missouri
- Key Works: Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, I Am Every Good Thing, Ruby and the Booker Boys series
- Awards: Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor, two-time Kirkus Prize winner
- Fun Fact: First African-American male copywriter at Hallmark Cards
About Derrick Barnes
Snag Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut or dive into the Ruby and the Booker Boys series to experience Derrick Barnes’s vibrant, uplifting world of Black joy!