B.B. Alston

Alston interrogates the boundaries between the fantastical and the mundane, crafting narratives that resonate with young readers' imaginations. His journey from a childhood fascination with fantasy literature to a career as a writer illustrates his deep-seated love for storytelling. This passion emerged early in middle school, where he began by weaving horror tales for his classmates, setting a foundation for his future in writing. Initially pursuing a science-focused educational path, Alston's chance encounter with a Twitter contest led him to pivot towards a literary career. This decision marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, culminating in the creation of the celebrated Amari series, which blends adventure with rich fantasy worldbuilding.\n\nThe themes in Alston's work often revolve around characters of modest means with big dreams, mirroring the inspiration he found in his favorite childhood book, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". In his most notable series, Amari embarks on magical adventures reminiscent of the intrigue found in "Men in Black", yet with a unique twist—incorporating mythical creatures into everyday reality. This innovative approach, alongside his immersive storytelling style, captivates readers, encouraging them to explore the possibilities within their own imaginations. Moreover, his stories are not only entertaining but also provide a lens through which young readers can view themselves and their potential.\n\nAlston's books have garnered significant acclaim, achieving bestseller status and receiving multiple awards, such as the Overall Winner of the Barnes & Noble Children's & YA Book Awards. His debut novel, "Amari and the Night Brothers", spent over 30 weeks on the "New York Times" Bestseller List and is currently being adapted into a major motion picture by Universal. This trajectory reflects Alston's impact on the literary world, where his work continues to inspire a new generation of readers to dream big and embrace the extraordinary.