Picture a Washington, D.C. storyteller who spun a gripping tale of mystery and social justice in Promise Boys—meet Nick Brooks! This award-winning filmmaker and author has taken the young adult literary world by storm, crafting stories that pulse with the challenges and dreams of urban youth, particularly young men of color. With a voice that’s both cinematic and heartfelt, Brooks is redefining what it means to tell authentic, impactful stories.
The Making of Nick Brooks
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Nick Brooks grew up immersed in the rhythms of hip-hop and the power of storytelling. His early love for music and movies fueled his creative spark, leading him to write his first comic book, Dino-Land!, at age seven. Before becoming a celebrated author, Brooks worked as an educator with at-risk youth, an experience that profoundly shaped his perspective. He later honed his craft at the University of Southern California’s TV and Film Production program, graduating in 2020 with accolades like the George Lucas Scholar Award.
Brooks’s journey wasn’t always linear—he once dreamed of being a rapper before pivoting to filmmaking and writing. His time teaching in D.C. public schools, coupled with his own experiences as a student, gave him a front-row seat to the systemic challenges facing young Black and Brown boys, inspiring the raw authenticity of his narratives.
Nick Brooks’s Unforgettable Stories
Brooks burst onto the literary scene with his 2023 young adult thriller Promise Boys, a blockbuster mystery that follows three teens of color—J.B., Ramón, and Trey—as they investigate their principal’s murder to clear their names. Set in the fictional Urban Promise Prep School, the novel blends pulse-pounding suspense with sharp social commentary, exposing the inequities of the education system. Critics, including Adam Silvera and Nic Stone, hailed its cinematic storytelling and nuanced characters, earning it a spot as a 2023 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award honoree.
Beyond Promise Boys, Brooks penned the middle-grade series Nothing Interesting Ever Happens to Ethan Fairmont, starting with its 2022 debut. This sci-fi adventure, infused with humor and heart, follows a young boy navigating friendship and discovery. The second book, Too Many Interesting Things Are Happening to Ethan Fairmont, hit shelves in 2023. Brooks’s style is vivid and rhythmic, drawing on his filmmaking background to craft dialogue that pops and scenes that feel like a movie unfolding.
His stories don’t shy away from tough topics—racism, toxic masculinity, and systemic injustice—but they’re threaded with hope, brotherhood, and resilience. Whether it’s a murder mystery or a middle-grade romp, Brooks’s work centers the voices of those often overlooked, making his books resonate with readers of all ages.
Why Nick Brooks Matters
Nick Brooks is more than an author—he’s a cultural force. His work amplifies the experiences of young men of color, challenging stereotypes and sparking conversations about equity in education and beyond. By blending genre thrills with social critique, he’s carved out a unique space in young adult literature, inspiring readers to see themselves in his characters and question the systems around them. His transition from educator to storyteller underscores his commitment to uplifting communities, making him a vital voice in today’s literary landscape.
As Brooks continues to write novels, develop films like his upcoming feature We Were Born Kings, and record hip-hop under the moniker Ben Kenobe, his star is only rising. For young readers, especially those in urban communities, his stories offer a mirror and a beacon of possibility.
- Born: Washington, D.C.
- Key Works: Promise Boys (2023), Nothing Interesting Ever Happens to Ethan Fairmont (2022)
- Awards: George Lucas Scholar Award, 2023 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award honoree
Snag Promise Boys and dive into Nick Brooks’s thrilling, thought-provoking world—you won’t put it down!