Picture a Filipina-American storyteller who spins tales of belonging and bravery, capturing the hearts of young readers everywhere—meet Erin Entrada Kelly! This award-winning children’s author, born in 1977, crafts novels that weave her mixed-race heritage into stories of identity, friendship, and resilience. Her breakout novel, Hello, Universe, snagged the 2018 John Newbery Medal, proving her knack for creating unforgettable middle-grade adventures.
With a voice that resonates with kids navigating their own unique paths, Kelly’s work celebrates diversity and the quiet strength of being yourself. Let’s dive into her journey, from her roots in Louisiana to her lasting impact on children’s literature.
The Making of Erin Entrada Kelly
Born on September 5, 1977, in Hays, Kansas, Erin Entrada Kelly grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, as the daughter of a Filipina immigrant mother and an American father. As one of the only Filipino-American kids in her community, she often felt like an outsider, a theme that echoes in her stories. Kelly’s love for writing sparked early—she penned her first story at eight, inspired by her voracious reading habits and icons like Judy Blume. After earning a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies and liberal arts from McNeese State University and an MFA in creative writing from Rosemont College, she honed her craft as a journalist and editor before diving into children’s literature.
Erin Entrada Kelly’s Unforgettable Stories
Kelly’s novels are heartfelt, relatable, and infused with Filipino culture, tackling themes like bullying, isolation, and self-discovery. Her debut, Blackbird Fly (2015), follows Apple Yengko, a Filipino-American girl facing prejudice at school, earning a Golden Kite Honor Award for its poignant storytelling. The Land of Forgotten Girls (2016) tells of two sisters navigating hardship in Louisiana, winning the APALA Award for Children’s Literature.
Her third novel, Hello, Universe (2017), a vibrant tale of friendship and courage, clinched the 2018 Newbery Medal. It follows a shy boy, Virgil, and his diverse group of friends as they unite to rescue him from a bully’s prank. Kelly’s 2024 novel, The First State of Being, a time-travel adventure set in 1999, earned her a second Newbery Medal in 2025 and a National Book Award finalist nod. Her writing style—lyrical, authentic, and rich with cultural details—makes her stories a mirror for kids who feel different.
Beyond novels, Kelly illustrates and writes the Marisol Rainey series for younger readers, blending humor and heart in stories of an imaginative girl overcoming fears. Her fantasy novel, Lalani of the Distant Sea (2019), draws on Filipino folklore, showcasing her versatility.
Why Erin Entrada Kelly Matters
Erin Entrada Kelly’s impact on children’s literature is profound. Her stories amplify underrepresented voices, particularly Filipino-American experiences, offering kids a chance to see themselves in literature. By addressing universal struggles like fitting in and finding courage, she helps young readers feel less alone, a mission she’s championed since her own lonely childhood. Her awards, including two Newbery Medals and a 2021 Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space, highlight her storytelling prowess. As a professor at Rosemont College and Hamline University, she inspires the next generation of writers, ensuring her legacy endures.
- Born: September 5, 1977, Hays, Kansas
- Key Works: Hello, Universe, The First State of Being, Blackbird Fly, We Dream of Space
- Awards: 2018 & 2025 Newbery Medals, 2021 Newbery Honor, APALA Award
- Fun Fact: Kelly illustrates her Marisol Rainey series!
Snag Hello, Universe or The First State of Being and dive into Erin Entrada Kelly’s heartwarming world of courage and connection!