Picture a storyteller who spun a tale so raw it shook the YA world—meet Nic Stone! Born and raised in a vibrant Atlanta suburb, this New York Times bestselling author crafts stories that tackle tough topics like race, identity, and justice with heart and grit. Her debut, Dear Martin, didn’t just hit shelves; it sparked conversations and challenged readers to think deeply about the world around them.
With a knack for blending hard-hitting themes with relatable characters, Nic Stone has become a literary force, championing diverse voices in young adult and middle-grade fiction. Ready to dive into her journey? Let’s go!
The Making of Nic Stone
Andrea Nicole Livingstone, known as Nic Stone, was born on July 10, 1985, in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up surrounded by a tapestry of cultures, religions, and backgrounds, she developed a love for stories that reflect the world’s diversity. A graduate of Spelman College with a degree in psychology, Nic’s early career took her into teen mentoring, where she connected with young people and their struggles. Her time living in Israel further shaped her worldview, sparking a desire to tell stories that bridge divides. It wasn’t until 2008, inspired by a fascinating family she met abroad, that Nic realized writing was her true calling.
Nic Stone’s Unforgettable Stories
Nic Stone burst onto the scene in 2017 with Dear Martin, a powerful young adult novel inspired by the killing of Jordan Davis. The story follows Justyce McAllister, a Black teen who grapples with racial profiling by writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Raw, gripping, and unflinchingly honest, it became a #1 New York Times bestseller and a William C. Morris Award finalist. Its sequel, Dear Justyce (2020), dives into the life of an incarcerated teen, shining a light on the criminal justice system.
Stone’s versatility shines in works like Odd One Out (2018), a heartfelt exploration of three queer teens of color navigating love and identity, and Jackpot (2019), a sharp take on class and privilege. Her middle-grade debut, Clean Getaway (2020), follows a boy and his grandmother on a road trip laced with secrets, earning starred reviews for its charm and depth. Nic’s writing style—breezy yet profound—tackles complex issues with empathy, making her stories resonate with readers of all ages.
Beyond novels, Nic has co-authored Blackout (2021) with other YA powerhouses and penned essays and short fiction. Her Shuri series for Marvel Comics brings Black Panther’s sister to life, proving her ability to weave diverse heroes into any genre.
Why Nic Stone Matters
Nic Stone’s impact goes beyond her books. As an openly bisexual African-American author, she’s a fierce advocate for representation, pushing for Black characters in sci-fi, fantasy, and beyond the “struggle” narrative. Her work challenges readers to confront systemic racism, embrace empathy, and celebrate diverse identities. Despite facing book bans, Nic champions reading freedoms, urging young people to see themselves as heroes in their own stories. Her talks on equity and storytelling inspire audiences to build a more just world.
From classrooms to bestseller lists, Nic Stone’s stories carry the weight of history while sparking hope for the future. Her ability to make tough topics accessible has made her a beloved voice in YA literature.
- Born: July 10, 1985, Atlanta, Georgia
- Key Works: Dear Martin, Dear Justyce, Odd One Out, Clean Getaway
- Awards: William C. Morris Award finalist, starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist
Snag Dear Martin and dive into Nic Stone’s bold, beautiful world of storytelling!