Picture a Saint Thomian storyteller who weaves magic, identity, and heart into every page—meet Kacen Callender! Born in the vibrant U.S. Virgin Islands, this award-winning author has captivated readers with their children’s, young adult, and fantasy novels. As a Black, queer, and trans writer, Callender crafts inclusive stories that resonate deeply, earning accolades like the National Book Award and inspiring a global audience.
From their debut novel to their latest works, Callender’s storytelling shines with authenticity and emotional depth. Whether you’re drawn to the tender coming-of-age tale of King and the Dragonflies or the Caribbean-inspired epic Queen of the Conquered, their books are a celebration of diverse voices. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable author!
The Making of Kacen Callender
Born on September 19, 1989, in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Kacen Callender grew up surrounded by the rich culture and natural beauty of the Caribbean. Their early love for storytelling led them to Sarah Lawrence College, where they earned a bachelor’s degree in Japanese and Creative Writing. Later, they honed their craft with an MFA from The New School’s Writing for Children program. Before becoming a full-time author, Callender worked as an editor at Little, Brown Book Group, sharpening their skills in the publishing world.
Callender’s Caribbean roots and personal experiences as a Black, queer, and trans individual deeply influence their work. Their journey of self-discovery, particularly their gender identity exploration inspired by media like Degrassi: The Next Generation, fuels their commitment to authentic representation. This passion for inclusivity became the heartbeat of their writing career.
Kacen Callender’s Unforgettable Stories
Callender’s debut, Hurricane Child (2018), is a middle-grade novel that follows Caroline, a girl born during a hurricane, navigating grief, queerness, and friendship. This poignant tale won the Stonewall Book Award and Lambda Literary Award, praised for its poetic realism and emotional depth. Readers fell in love with its exploration of bullying, love, and identity.
Their young adult novel Felix Ever After (2020) is a vibrant celebration of trans joy. It follows Felix Love, a Black, queer, transgender teen, as he navigates love, identity, and revenge through a catfish scheme. This bestseller, now being adapted for an Amazon Prime series, earned a Stonewall Honor and resonated with readers for its heartfelt authenticity. King and the Dragonflies (2020), another middle-grade gem, explores race, sexuality, and grief, winning the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. For adults, Queen of the Conquered (2019) offers a Caribbean-inspired fantasy about power and resistance, earning the World Fantasy Award.
Callender’s style blends lyrical prose with raw emotion, often weaving magical realism and cultural nuance. Their stories tackle heavy themes—racism, homophobia, transphobia—with hope and healing, making them accessible yet profound for readers of all ages.
Why Kacen Callender Matters
Kacen Callender’s impact on literature is undeniable. Their work fills critical gaps in queer and BIPOC representation, offering mirrors for marginalized readers and windows for others. Books like Felix Ever After and Moonflower have been credited with saving lives by providing validation and hope, especially for trans youth. Callender’s advocacy extends beyond their books—they launched the #USVIPubFund in 2018, raising $104,000 for U.S. Virgin Islands recovery after Hurricane Irma.
Their fearless exploration of identity and resilience has earned them a devoted following and critical acclaim, including being named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Novels for Queen of the Conquered. By centering diverse voices, Callender is reshaping children’s and fantasy literature for a more inclusive future.
- Born: September 19, 1989, Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Key Works: Hurricane Child, Felix Ever After, King and the Dragonflies, Queen of the Conquered
- Awards: National Book Award, World Fantasy Award, Stonewall Book Award, Lambda Literary Award
Snag Felix Ever After or Hurricane Child and dive into Kacen Callender’s heartfelt, inclusive world of stories!