Derrick Barnes

Derrick Barnes is an award-winning American author. His books include the New York Times bestseller The King of Kindergarten, as well as the critically acclaimed picture book Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, recipient of a Newbery onor, a Coretta Scott King Author Honor, the 2018 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award, and the 2018 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers. He is the author of the bestselling Ruby and the Booker Boys series, and his first YA novel, The Making of Dr. Truelove, was recognised by the American Library Association as a Quick Pick For Reluctant Readers.

As well as being an acclaimed author, Derrick was also the first African-American male staff writer for Hallmark Cards, and now owns the copy-writing company Say Word Creative Communications. He is the creator of the popular blog 'Raising the Mighty', where he "chronicles the experience of bringing up four beautiful Black boys in America." He lives with his family in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.