Picture a Ghanaian-American storyteller weaving West African folklore into spellbinding young adult fantasy—meet Roseanne A. Brown! Born in Kumasi, Ghana, and raised in Maryland, Brown has captivated readers with her New York Times bestselling debut, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin. Her stories pulse with vibrant cultural heritage, intricate plots, and characters who leap off the page, making her a rising star in contemporary literature.
With a knack for blending magic, identity, and heart, Brown’s work resonates with readers craving diverse, immersive tales. Her journey from a young writer inspired by Anansi folktales to a celebrated author is as enchanting as the worlds she creates. Let’s dive into her story!
The Making of Roseanne A. Brown
Roseanne 'Rosie' A. Brown was born on August 26, 1995, in Kumasi, Ghana, to Akan parents. At age three, she immigrated to central Maryland, where her love for storytelling took root. Raised on West African folktales, she began crafting her own stories as a child. Brown graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s in Journalism, honing her craft as a teaching assistant in the Jiménez-Porter Writers’ House program. Her journalistic work appeared in outlets like Voice of America, but her heart lay in fiction, where she could bridge her Ghanaian and American identities.
An editorial internship at Entangled Publishing and mentorship through Pitch Wars in 2017 fueled her path to authorship. Inspired by her heritage and a desire to center Black heroes, Brown set out to create stories that make readers feel seen.
Roseanne A. Brown’s Unforgettable Stories
Brown’s debut, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin (2020), is a gripping young adult fantasy inspired by West African folklore. The story follows Malik, a refugee, and Karina, a grieving princess, on a collision course to kill each other amid a blossoming attraction. Its rich world-building, political intrigue, and themes of grief and identity earned it a spot on the New York Times bestseller list and a Kirkus Reviews best book nod.
The sequel, A Psalm of Storms and Silence (2021), deepens the duology’s exploration of sacrifice and redemption, cementing Brown’s reputation for lyrical prose and empathetic characters. Her Serwa Boateng series, starting with Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Vampire Hunting (2022), blends humor and action as a 12-year-old Ghanaian-American battles vampires while navigating middle school. The 2023 follow-up, Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Witchcraft and Mayhem, showcases Brown’s versatility. She’s also contributed to Star Wars and Marvel anthologies, proving her range across genres.
Brown’s style is a vibrant tapestry of myth, magic, and cultural nuance. Her characters grapple with mental health, diaspora identity, and resilience, reflecting her own experiences as a Ghanaian immigrant. Her worlds feel alive, steeped in folklore yet accessible, with a playful wit that keeps readers hooked.
Why Roseanne A. Brown Matters
Roseanne A. Brown’s work is a beacon for diverse representation in young adult fantasy. By centering Black and African narratives, she challenges genre norms, offering readers heroes who reflect their own complexities. Her stories validate marginalized voices, especially Black youth, affirming their right to be the 'chosen one.' Her influence extends beyond books, inspiring aspiring writers through mentorship and advocacy for inclusivity in publishing.
As a Ghanaian-American, Brown bridges cultures, inviting readers worldwide to explore West African mythology. Her ability to weave universal themes—love, loss, and courage—into culturally specific stories ensures her lasting impact in literature.
- Birth Date: August 26, 1995
- Key Works: A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, A Psalm of Storms and Silence, Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Vampire Hunting
- Awards: New York Times Bestseller, Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2020
Snag A Song of Wraiths and Ruin and dive into Roseanne A. Brown’s magical, myth-infused worlds!