Picture an American storyteller who spun magical worlds where every child can be a hero—meet Dhonielle Clayton! A New York Times bestselling author, Clayton has captivated young adult and middle-grade readers with her lush, inclusive fantasies like The Belles and The Marvellers. Her passion for diverse storytelling doesn’t stop at writing; through her work with CAKE Literary and We Need Diverse Books, she’s reshaping children’s literature to reflect the world’s vibrant tapestry.
With a knack for blending magic, drama, and heart, Clayton’s stories invite readers into worlds where beauty, power, and identity collide. Ready to dive into her journey from a book-loving kid to a literary trailblazer?
The Making of Dhonielle Clayton
Born in 1983 in the Washington, D.C. suburbs, Dhonielle Clayton grew up surrounded by stories, often tucked under her grandmother’s table with a stack of books. Her love for reading led her to Wake Forest University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature in 2005. She later pursued a Master’s in Children’s Literature at Hollins University and an MFA in Creative Writing at The New School. A former teacher and librarian, Clayton saw firsthand the lack of diverse books for her students, sparking her mission to create stories where kids of color could see themselves as heroes.
Dhonielle Clayton’s Unforgettable Stories
Clayton’s debut, The Belles ( Jeonghan, a 2018 New York Times bestseller, plunged readers into a dazzling world where beauty is power, and one girl dares to challenge it. The trilogy, including The Everlasting Rose and The Beauty Trials, weaves fantasy with sharp commentary on societal standards, earning praise for its vivid prose and complex characters. Tiny Pretty Things, co-authored with Sona Charaipotra, is a juicy ballet drama turned Netflix series, packed with ambition and intrigue. The Marvellers, her middle-grade debut, invites young readers to a magical school in the sky, celebrating global cultures. Finally, Blackout, a collaborative novel with authors like Angie Thomas, blends romance and resilience during a New York City blackout.
Clayton’s style is a feast of rich world-building, diverse casts, and themes of empowerment and identity. Her stories don’t just entertain—they challenge readers to rethink beauty, power, and belonging, making her a standout in young adult and children’s literature.
Why Dhonielle Clayton Matters
Dhonielle Clayton is more than an author; she’s a force for change. As COO of We Need Diverse Books, she champions inclusive literature, ensuring kids from all backgrounds see themselves in stories. Through CAKE Literary and Electric Postcard Entertainment, she develops diverse narratives, from Tristan Strong to Love Sugar Magic, amplifying underrepresented voices. Her work has sparked a shift in publishing, with more diverse books reaching shelves, inspiring a new generation to dream big and tell their own stories.
- Born: 1983, Washington, D.C. suburbs
- Key Works: The Belles, The Marvellers, Tiny Pretty Things, Blackout
- Awards: Junior Library Guild selections for The Belles, The Everlasting Rose, and Blackout
Snag The Marvellers or The Belles and dive into Dhonielle Clayton’s magical, inclusive worlds today!