Angela Joy was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. Before graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Minnesota, she attended New York University and Spelman College. Angela traveled extensively as a background vocalist, also working in television and movie soundtracks. She uses lessons learned in music to write lyrical poetry for children, including A Hero Like Me, Black Is a Rainbow Color, and Caldecott Honor Book, Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement. Angela is the recipient of the 2023 Young People’s Literature Award from the Friends of American Writers. Angela's next book, Ordinary Days: The Seeds, Sound, and City that Grew Prince Rogers Nelson is due for release in Fall, 2023.
Photo Credit: Blossom Blue Studios
What is your Black rainbow color? I would say peanut butter.
What is your spirit animal? Cheetah: a shy creature that roams widely.
Are you a morning person or a night owl? Definitely a night owl!
What book made you cry? A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park. It is so beautiful.
Cat person or dog person? Cat person—primarily because barking literally hurts my ears. I have very sensitive hearing.
Favorite snack? Salt and vinegar potato chips
Favorite beverage? Blood Orange San Pellegrino
Favorite Girl Scout Cookie? Shortbread
Favorite band or singer? Prince, of course!
What do you use in your hair? Curls Rock - TIGI Catwalk
Why do you write books? I write in hopes of educating and entertaining children—my favorite people! My dream is for kids to see themselves in my books and feel a sense of pride.
What do you do in your free time? I love spending time in my garden. In the spring and summer I raise monarch butterflies—67 last year! This year, I hope to also attract bluebirds to my yard. We had them in Tennessee and I miss watching the hatchlings grow.
What is your favorite spot? In bed on a rainy day.
What was your favorite book of 2021? The Nickel Boys, by Colson Whitehead (pub. date: July, 2019).
What was your favorite book of 2023? All My Rage, by Sabaa Tahir.