Junauda Petrus

Junauda Petrus is an American author, filmmaker, and performance artist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is best known for her debut young adult novel "The Stars and the Blackness Between Them," which received the Coretta Scott King Honor Award in 2020. Of Afro-Caribbean descent, with parents from Trinidad and the US Virgin Islands, Petrus brings her cultural heritage and personal experiences into her creative work. Her artistic portfolio extends beyond literature to include theatrical pieces such as "There Are Other Worlds" and the co-written production "Queen," performed at notable venues including Intermedia Arts and In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre. Petrus's work often explores themes of identity, activism, and social justice. Her poem "Could we please give the police departments to the grandmothers?" was featured in the anthology "How I Resist: Activism and Hope for a New Generation," demonstrating her engagement with contemporary social issues through various artistic mediums.

Readers praise Petrus's poetic writing style and authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ teen experiences in "The Stars and the Blackness Between Them." Several reviews highlight her skill at weaving Caribbean culture, spirituality, and coming-of-age themes. Readers appreciate: - Rich, lyrical prose that captures teen voices - Representation of Black queer characters - Natural integration of cultural elements and language - Complex family relationships - Honest portrayal of illness and grief Common criticisms: - Plot pacing can feel slow - Some readers found the narrative style challenging to follow - Spiritual/mystical elements confused some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (6,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (300+ ratings) One reader noted: "The language flows like music." Another wrote: "The Trinidad dialect and cultural references made the characters feel real." Critical reviews mentioned: "Beautiful writing but the story meandered too much" and "Had trouble connecting with the supernatural elements."

The Stars and the Blackness Between Them (2019) A young adult novel following two sixteen-year-old Black girls—Audre, who is forced to leave Trinidad to live with her father in Minneapolis, and Mabel, who is grappling with illness and identity—as their lives intersect and they develop a deep connection.

Elizabeth Acevedo writes coming-of-age stories centered on young people exploring their Caribbean-American identity and family relationships. Her work incorporates poetry and oral storytelling traditions similar to Petrus's style.

Kacen Callender creates stories exploring queer identity and Caribbean culture through both contemporary and fantasy narratives. Their work deals with similar themes of self-discovery and ancestral connections.

Ibi Zoboi combines Caribbean folklore with contemporary urban settings while addressing social justice themes. Her writing focuses on young people navigating cultural identity and family expectations.

Brandy Colbert writes about complex family dynamics and identity formation in young adult literature. Her books explore themes of belonging and intergenerational relationships through Black characters finding their place in the world.

Anna-Marie McLemore weaves magical realism into stories about identity and belonging. Their work centers on characters exploring gender, sexuality, and cultural heritage through a lens that blends reality with the mystical.