📖 Overview
Brandy Colbert is an American author who writes young adult fiction and nonfiction, with her work spanning from 2014 to the present. She has earned significant recognition in the literary world, including the Stonewall Book Award for "Little & Lion" and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for her nonfiction work "Black Birds in the Sky."
Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Colbert began her writing career with her 2014 debut novel "Pointe," which explores the story of a teen dancer confronting her past. Her literary portfolio has expanded to include notable works such as "Finding Yvonne," "The Revolution of Birdie Randolph," and "The Only Black Girls in Town."
In addition to her writing career, Colbert serves as a faculty member in the MFA Program in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Hamline University. Her work often addresses complex themes relevant to young readers, drawing inspiration from various sources including real-world events and the works of authors like Dorothy West and Zadie Smith.
Colbert continues to contribute to young adult literature, with her most recent work "The Blackwoods" released in 2023. Her writing consistently explores themes of identity, relationships, and personal growth through both fiction and nonfiction formats.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Colbert's authentic teen voices and nuanced handling of complex topics like mental health, racism, and LGBTQ+ experiences. Many reviews highlight her skill at weaving social issues into compelling stories without being didactic.
Specific strengths noted: realistic dialogue, well-developed family dynamics, and complex friendships between characters. Multiple readers mention connecting with her Black female protagonists and appreciate seeing their experiences reflected.
Common criticisms include pacing issues, with some finding the stories slow to start. A subset of readers note that certain plots feel predictable or formulaic. Some mention wanting more resolution at story endings.
Average ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 3.8/5 (across all books)
Amazon: 4.2/5
Little & Lion: 4.1/5 (highest rated)
Finding Yvonne: 3.6/5 (lowest rated)
Review volume:
Goodreads: 25,000+ total reviews
Amazon: 2,000+ reviews
Most reviewed: The Only Black Girls in Town (5,000+ reviews)
📚 Books by Brandy Colbert
Pointe (2014)
A teenage ballet dancer must confront her traumatic past when her childhood best friend, who was abducted four years ago, is found alive.
Little & Lion (2017) A teen returns from boarding school to support her stepbrother with bipolar disorder while navigating her own identity and relationships.
Finding Yvonne (2018) A violinist in her senior year of high school grapples with uncertainty about her future and an unexpected pregnancy.
The Revolution of Birdie Randolph (2019) A Chicago teenager balances her strict parents' expectations with her growing romance while family secrets emerge.
The Only Black Girls in Town (2020) Two young Black girls in a predominantly white California surf town form a friendship while investigating mysterious old journals.
The Voting Booth (2020) Two teens navigate romance and activism during a single day as they encounter obstacles to casting their first-time votes.
Black Birds in the Sky (2021) A nonfiction account of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, examining its historical context and lasting impact.
The Blackwoods (2023) A young woman uncovers dark family history while investigating her mother's mysterious disappearance at a hotel in the Catskills.
Little & Lion (2017) A teen returns from boarding school to support her stepbrother with bipolar disorder while navigating her own identity and relationships.
Finding Yvonne (2018) A violinist in her senior year of high school grapples with uncertainty about her future and an unexpected pregnancy.
The Revolution of Birdie Randolph (2019) A Chicago teenager balances her strict parents' expectations with her growing romance while family secrets emerge.
The Only Black Girls in Town (2020) Two young Black girls in a predominantly white California surf town form a friendship while investigating mysterious old journals.
The Voting Booth (2020) Two teens navigate romance and activism during a single day as they encounter obstacles to casting their first-time votes.
Black Birds in the Sky (2021) A nonfiction account of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, examining its historical context and lasting impact.
The Blackwoods (2023) A young woman uncovers dark family history while investigating her mother's mysterious disappearance at a hotel in the Catskills.
👥 Similar authors
Nicola Yoon writes contemporary YA novels featuring diverse protagonists navigating complex family dynamics and first love. Her work shares Colbert's focus on identity and authentic teen relationships, particularly through stories centered on Black and multiracial characters.
Elizabeth Acevedo combines verse and prose to tell stories about young women finding their voice and place in the world. Her narratives tackle similar themes to Colbert's work, including family expectations, artistic pursuits, and coming-of-age experiences.
Renée Watson creates stories about Black teenage girls dealing with friendship, family, and social issues in contemporary settings. Her books explore community and identity in ways that parallel Colbert's approach to storytelling.
Ashley Woodfolk writes contemporary YA fiction that deals with grief, mental health, and relationships among teens of color. Her focus on emotional depth and complex character development mirrors themes found in Colbert's novels.
Kacen Callender crafts stories featuring LGBTQ+ characters exploring their identity and relationships. Their work shares Colbert's commitment to representing intersectional experiences and tackling difficult topics in YA literature.
Elizabeth Acevedo combines verse and prose to tell stories about young women finding their voice and place in the world. Her narratives tackle similar themes to Colbert's work, including family expectations, artistic pursuits, and coming-of-age experiences.
Renée Watson creates stories about Black teenage girls dealing with friendship, family, and social issues in contemporary settings. Her books explore community and identity in ways that parallel Colbert's approach to storytelling.
Ashley Woodfolk writes contemporary YA fiction that deals with grief, mental health, and relationships among teens of color. Her focus on emotional depth and complex character development mirrors themes found in Colbert's novels.
Kacen Callender crafts stories featuring LGBTQ+ characters exploring their identity and relationships. Their work shares Colbert's commitment to representing intersectional experiences and tackling difficult topics in YA literature.