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Dhonielle Clayton
Author Profile

Dhonielle Clayton

18 Books
Dhonielle Clayton is a New York Times bestselling author of middle-grade and young adult fiction, celebrated for her imaginative fantasy series like The Belles and The Marvellers, which features the title The Deadly Fates. She is also known for her collaborative contemporary works such as Blackout and The Rumor Game, as well as her contributions to anthologies like Vampires Never Get Old. Beyond her writing, Clayton is a former librarian and a passionate advocate for representation in publishing, serving as a key leader for the non-profit We Need Diverse Books.

A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology

Dhonielle Clayton

Anthologies Diverse Voices
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The Mirror

Shattered Midnight

Dhonielle Clayton

Action Fantasy
- /5
The Marvellers

The Memory Thieves

Dhonielle Clayton

Adventure Fantasy
- /5
The Belles

The Beauty Trials

Dhonielle Clayton

Action Fantasy
- /5
The Belles

The Everlasting Rose

Dhonielle Clayton

Action Diverse Voices
- /5
The Belles

The Belles

Dhonielle Clayton

Diverse Voices Fantasy
- /5
The Marvellers

The Deadly Fates

Dhonielle Clayton

Adventure Diverse Voices
- /5

Breakout

Kate Messner, Dhonielle Clayton

Fiction Friendship
- /5
The Marvellers

The Marvellers

Dhonielle Clayton, Khadijah Khatib

Fantasy Friendship
- /5
Blackout

Whiteout

Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon

Diverse Voices Friendship
- /5
Blackout

Blackout

Tiffany D. Jackson, Dhonielle Clayton, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon

Anthologies Diverse Voices
- /5

Vampires Never Get Old: Tales with Fresh Bite

Dhonielle Clayton, Zoraida Córdova, V.E. Schwab, Julie Murphy, Rebecca Roanhorse, Natalie C. Parker, Samira Ahmed, Tessa Gratton, Heidi Heilig, Mark Oshiro, Laura Ruby, Kayla Whaley

Anthologies Diverse Voices
- /5

Faeries Never Lie: Tales to Revel In

Holly Black, Dhonielle Clayton, Kwame Mbalia, Chloe Gong, Zoraida Córdova, Nafiza Azad, Tessa Gratton, Ryan La Sala, L.L. McKinney, Anna-Marie McLemore, Kaitlyn Sage Patterson, Rory Power, Christine Day, Natalie C. Parker

Anthologies Fantasy
- /5

Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America

Ibi Zoboi, Dhonielle Clayton, Jason Reynolds, Nic Stone, Kekla Magoon, Rita Williams-Garcia, Tracey Baptiste, Coe Booth, Brandy Colbert, Jay Coles, Justina Ireland, Leah Henderson, Varian Johnson, Tochi Onyebuchi, Liara Tamani, Renée Watson, Lamar Giles

Anthologies Diverse Voices
- /5
Tiny Pretty Things

Tiny Pretty Things

Sona Charaipotra, Dhonielle Clayton

Dancing Friendship
- /5
Tiny Pretty Things

Shiny Broken Pieces

Sona Charaipotra, Dhonielle Clayton

Action Dancing
- /5

The Rumor Game

Sona Charaipotra, Dhonielle Clayton

Friendship Mystery
- /5

Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined to Meet

Jennifer L. Armentrout, Dhonielle Clayton, Katie Cotugno, Jocelyn Davies, Nina LaCour, Emery Lord, Katharine McGee, Kass Morgan, Meredith Russo, Sara Shepard, Nicola Yoon, Ibi Zoboi, Julie Murphy

Anthologies Diverse Voices
- /5
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A We Need Diverse Books Anthology

By: Dhonielle Clayton
Magic doesn't belong to just one kind of hero. In this breathtaking fantasy anthology from We Need Diverse Books, fifteen of the most celebrated voices in young adult literature come together to weave tales of power, identity, and rebellion. Forget the traditional fairy tales you grew up with. Inside these pages, you will meet a princess who has absolutely no need for a prince to save her, a misunderstood monster lurking in the shadows, and brave teens fighting back against systems of injustice. From memories that vanish with a single spell to voices that refuse to be silenced, each story drops you into a richly imagined world brimming with high stakes and deep emotions. Featuring masterful stories from bestselling authors like V. E. Schwab, Libba Bray, Kwame Mbalia, and Dhonielle Clayton, this powerful collection redefines who gets to save the day. Whether you are craving epic adventures, dark magic, or tender moments of self-discovery, these authors deliver a universe of wishes just waiting to be unlocked. Prepare to be transported to a braver, more inclusive, and beautifully complex world.
Anthologies Diverse Voices Magic Short Stories Social Justice
13-18 Years 417 Pages
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By: Dhonielle Clayton
Welcome to the glittering, jazz-filled streets of 1920s New Orleans, where magic flows as freely as the music. You will meet Zora Broussard, a young woman hiding a powerful and dangerous secret. Her family carries a heavy curse, and her magical abilities are supposed to be kept strictly under wraps. But when a tragic mistake forces her to flee her home, she is thrust into an entirely new world of glitz and danger. As Zora tries to navigate this vibrant new city, she finds herself drawn into the orbit of a wealthy, charismatic stranger who holds secrets of his own. You will watch her balance the thrill of high-society parties with the terrifying reality of a dark, looming threat that has hunted her family for generations. With the clock ticking toward midnight, Zora must decide whether to run from her destiny or stand and fight for the people she loves. It is a sweeping, romantic, and pulse-pounding historical fantasy that will leave you completely spellbound.
Action Fantasy Magic
13-18 Years
N/A /5
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The Marvellers

The Memory Thieves

By: Dhonielle Clayton
Welcome back to Year Two at the global magic school in the sky. You are returning to the Arcanum Training Institute alongside Ella, Jason, and Brigit, but the new semester is already off to a rocky start. Not everyone is thrilled that Ella has returned, and when a mysterious illness starts attacking the students' magical abilities, she finds herself right in the middle of the chaos. As tensions between the Marvellers and the Conjurors reach a boiling point, you will join Ella on a desperate mission to unlock the hidden secrets of the Institute's past. Someone is going to great lengths to hide the truth about the famous Conjure architect who founded the school, and time is running out to figure out why. To uncover the dark mysteries hiding in the shadows of the academy, you and your friends will need to track down stolen memories before they disappear forever. It is an action-packed, magical adventure that will test the limits of courage and friendship.
Adventure Fantasy Magic Mystery
9-12 Years 416 Pages
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By: Dhonielle Clayton
The battle for control over beauty has never been more lethal. You are plunging back into the enchanting and treacherous world of Orleans, where the rules of magic have been completely rewritten. Following the explosive fall of the corrupt queen, the kingdom is desperately searching for a new ruler. The throne will not be handed over easily; it must be won through a series of grueling, high-stakes challenges known as the Beauty Trials. Edel, a fiercely independent rebel, refuses to sit on the sidelines. She is determined to enter the dangerous competition to protect her family and ensure that the dark days of beauty-hoarding are over for good. You will follow her as she navigates deadly tasks, fierce rivalries, and shocking betrayals within the palace walls. In a contest where appearances are everything and trust is a fatal flaw, you must watch your back at every turn. It is a thrilling race for power, testing how much a person will sacrifice to change their world and wear the crown.
Action Fantasy
13-18 Years
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By: Dhonielle Clayton
You are returning to a glittering, dangerous world where beauty is entirely controlled by magic, and perfection is a weapon. Camellia and her sisters are Belles, the only ones capable of transforming the gray citizens of Orleans into stunningly beautiful people. But after years of being used and controlled, they are no longer willing to serve a corrupt throne. Now branded as a murderer and hunted by the ruthless queen, Camellia is on the run. You will follow her desperate journey to find the true, missing princess and restore her to power. The plan is incredibly dangerous, and the queen will stop at nothing to drag the Belles back into their gilded cages. But Camellia refuses to go quietly. You will witness a thrilling fight for freedom, as the sisters vow to reclaim their magic and break the oppressive system once and for all. It is a high-stakes, breathless rebellion where the cost of everlasting beauty might just be their lives.
Action Diverse Voices Fantasy
13-18 Years 352 Pages
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The Belles

The Belles

By: Dhonielle Clayton
In the opulent world of Orleans, the people are born gray and damned. Beauty is the ultimate currency, and only a Belle can grant it. You are stepping into the shoes of Camellia Beauregard, a young woman who wields the coveted power to transform the gray into something breathtaking. But Camellia does not just want to be any Belle; she is determined to be chosen by the Queen as the absolute favorite. When she finally arrives at the royal palace, the glittering world she always dreamed of reveals a twisted, dark reality. Behind the lavish gowns and perfect faces lie dangerous secrets that threaten everything she knows. You will soon discover that Camellia's powers go far deeper than simple cosmetic magic. When the queen demands she use her gifts in forbidden, deadly ways to save the ailing princess, Camellia is forced to make a heart-stopping choice. You will watch her navigate a treacherous court where she must decide whether to protect herself and her sisters, or risk her own life to change the very foundation of her world.
Diverse Voices Fantasy Magic
13-18 Years 470 Pages
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The Marvellers

The Deadly Fates

By: Dhonielle Clayton
Year Three at the magical school in the sky is officially in session, but the halls are anything but safe. You are rejoining Ella, Brigit, and Jason at the Arcanum Training Institute right after they saved the world from the diabolical Ace of Anarchy. Instead of a hero's welcome, they are stepping into a chaotic web of long-buried secrets and deceit. Tensions between the Marvellers and Conjurors are ready to snap. To stop the brewing storm, Ella realizes she has to uncover the ultimate truth about the missing Conjure architect. This quest will push you past the boundaries of the living and straight into the Underworld, hunting for answers inside an impenetrable prison for supervillains known as the Cards of Deadly Fate. You will need to stay sharp as the magical worlds threaten to collide completely. With friendships tested and dangerous enemies lurking in the shadows, Ella must figure out how all the pieces connect before the tension boils over and destroys everything she loves.
Adventure Diverse Voices Fantasy Magic
9-12 Years 350 Pages
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By: Kate Messner , Dhonielle Clayton
Summer vacation in Wolf Creek is supposed to be all about eating popsicles and swimming with friends. Nora Tucker is ready to spend her days relaxing and practicing her journalism skills for the school newspaper by collecting documents for a community time capsule. But her quiet summer shatters when two inmates escape from the local maximum security prison. Suddenly, police helicopters are circling the woods, doors are locked tight, and everyone in town is on edge. As you explore Noras collection of text messages, poems, news clippings, and recorded conversations, you will piece together the gripping story of the manhunt. The intense lockdown brings out the absolute worst in some of the neighbors Nora has known her entire life, forcing her to confront hard truths about her community. You will be left wondering who is truly welcome in this town and whether Wolf Creek will ever feel like home again after the inmates are finally caught.
Fiction Friendship Mystery Social Justice
9-12 Years 13-18 Years 474 Pages
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The Marvellers

The Marvellers

By: Dhonielle Clayton , Khadijah Khatib
Eleven-year-old Ella Durand is making history. As the very first Conjuror to be accepted into the Arcanum Training Institute, a breathtaking magic school suspended high in the clouds, she is ready to learn alongside Marvellers from all over the globe. While others practice brewing Indian spice elixirs or bartering with Irish pixies, Ella is eager to share her own unique cultural magic. But breaking barriers is difficult, and many students and teachers deeply mistrust her abilities, labeling her magic as unnatural. Just as Ella begins to find her footing with a few loyal misfit friends and a supportive mentor, disaster strikes. A notorious criminal escapes from a high-security magical prison, and rumors swirl that a Conjuror helped him break out. When her beloved mentor mysteriously vanishes, Ella becomes the prime suspect. You will be swept into a vibrant, high-stakes magical universe as Ella races against time to harness her growing powers, clear her family's name, and uncover the dark truth before it is too late.
Fantasy Friendship Magic Mystery Schools
9-12 Years 336 Pages
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Blackout

Whiteout

By: Dhonielle Clayton , Tiffany D. Jackson , Nic Stone , Angie Thomas , Ashley Woodfolk , Nicola Yoon
Just before Christmas, the city of Atlanta is unexpectedly blanketed in a massive snowstorm, grinding everything to a freezing halt. But the warmth of young love might just be enough to melt the ice! Stevie is completely heartbroken after a major misunderstanding with her girlfriend, Sola. Desperate to make things right, Stevie decides she needs to pull off the most spectacular, epic romantic apology of her life. Fortunately, she does not have to do it alone. Twelve teens band together, braving the treacherous winter weather and navigating their own complicated relationships, to help their friend win back the girl of her dreams. No one could have prepared for this massive whiteout, but sometimes the most magical, life-changing moments happen when you least expect them. Written by an all-star team of bestselling authors, this cozy, sparkling young adult romance is a beautiful celebration of friendship, second chances, and the undeniable power of Black joy.
Diverse Voices Friendship Holidays
13-18 Years 288 Pages
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Blackout

Blackout

By: Tiffany D. Jackson , Dhonielle Clayton , Nic Stone , Angie Thomas , Ashley Woodfolk , Nicola Yoon
A massive summer heatwave has just plunged all of New York City into total darkness. But as the city grids fail and the subways halt, a completely different kind of electricity begins to spark in the shadows. You are about to experience the glowing warmth and undeniable magic of Black teen love as it unfolds across a sweltering, starry night. Through a series of charming, hilarious, and deeply interconnected stories, you will follow six different couples navigating the chaos of the blackout. You will witness the awkward thrill of a first meeting, the complicated tension between bitter exes, and the moment when long-time friends finally realize they might be something more. When the lights go out, hidden truths are revealed and new possibilities take flight. This heartwarming collection brings you right into the pulsing heart of the city, showing how love and friendship can transform even the darkest of nights into something brilliantly bright.
Anthologies Diverse Voices Short Stories
13-18 Years 256 Pages
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Tales with Fresh Bite

By: Dhonielle Clayton , Zoraida Córdova , V.E. Schwab , Julie Murphy , Rebecca Roanhorse , Natalie C. Parker , Samira Ahmed , Tessa Gratton , Heidi Heilig , Mark Oshiro , Laura Ruby , Kayla Whaley
Forget everything you know about garlic, stakes, and sparkling in the sunlight. This is a totally new breed of creature of the night. In this collection of thrilling stories, you will meet vampires who lurk on your favorite social media feeds, rebellious bloodsuckers hungry for more than just a quick bite, and newly turned immortals heading out for their very first kill. This is not your standard gothic horror. It is a bold, modern evolution of the vampire mythos, bringing fresh perspectives and diverse voices to the classic monster. You will explore eerie, dreamy, and dangerous worlds crafted by some of the most exciting writers in young adult fiction. Whether they are seeking revenge, fighting for justice, or just trying to survive high school, these vampires are powerful, iconic, and completely unpredictable. Sink your teeth into a revolution on the page. If you are ready for dark magic, unexpected twists, and creatures who refuse to stay in the shadows, these breathless tales will keep you up long past midnight.
Anthologies Diverse Voices Short Stories
13-18 Years 400 Pages
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Tales to Revel In

By: Holly Black , Dhonielle Clayton , Kwame Mbalia , Chloe Gong , Zoraida Córdova , Nafiza Azad , Tessa Gratton , Ryan La Sala , L.L. McKinney , Anna-Marie McLemore , Kaitlyn Sage Patterson , Rory Power , Christine Day , Natalie C. Parker
Get ready to step through a hidden portal and meet creatures who are equal parts magical and mischievous. In this thrilling collection of stories, you will encounter faeries from all over the world, each with their own unique tricks and enchantments. Whether you are chasing a winged trickster through an ancient dynasty or surviving your very first day at a magical boarding school, you are in for an unforgettable ride. You will discover that the fae are not just tiny creatures fluttering in gardens; they are powerful beings capable of bending reality itself. Sometimes they are helpful friends, but other times they are dangerous monsters hiding behind beautiful illusions. As you explore these wild and unpredictable worlds, you will need to keep your wits about you to survive their clever games. Packed with adventure, mystery, and a touch of madness, this collection is perfect for anyone brave enough to peek behind the curtain of the ordinary world. Just remember the most important rule: never, ever trust a faerie's promise.
Anthologies Fantasy Magic Short Stories
9-12 Years 336 Pages
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Stories of Being Young & Black in America

By: Ibi Zoboi , Dhonielle Clayton , Jason Reynolds , Nic Stone , Kekla Magoon , Rita Williams-Garcia , Tracey Baptiste , Coe Booth , Brandy Colbert , Jay Coles , Justina Ireland , Leah Henderson , Varian Johnson , Tochi Onyebuchi , Liara Tamani , Renée Watson , Lamar Giles
There is no single right way to be yourself, and this amazing collection of stories proves exactly that. You are invited to explore the lives of different kids from all across America, each experiencing their own unique journey of growing up Black. From sisters trying to get along at a summer camp in the woods to best friends hanging out and laughing on their walk home from the local pool, every story feels real and close to home. You will meet characters living in big bustling cities and quiet country towns. Some are navigating the confusing feelings of a first crush, while others are discovering what it means to stand up for their own identities. These brilliant tales capture the everyday joys, tough moments, and strong family bonds that make each character's life so special. Written by an all-star lineup of incredible authors, this book is a celebration of friendship, courage, and being exactly who you are. It is a wonderful reminder that your story is important, powerful, and more than enough.
Anthologies Diverse Voices Family Friendship Short Stories
9-12 Years 416 Pages
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Tiny Pretty Things

Tiny Pretty Things

By: Sona Charaipotra , Dhonielle Clayton
Step inside an exclusive Manhattan ballet conservatory, where the tutus are flawless and the competition is absolutely cutthroat. You are about to meet Gigi, Bette, and June, three fiercely talented dancers who will stop at nothing to become the prima ballerina. In this glamorous, high-stakes environment, every pirouette is judged, and every friend is a potential enemy. Free-spirited Gigi just wants to dance, but her sudden rise to the top makes her a massive target. Privileged Bette is desperate to step out from her famous sister's shadow, fueling a dangerous and manipulative edge. Meanwhile, perfectionist June is facing the ultimate pressure: land a lead role, or her controlling mother will force her to quit ballet forever. As the casting announcements draw closer, the psychological warfare ramps up. You will watch these girls sacrifice their morals, spread vicious rumors, and backstab each other to claim the spotlight. It is a dark, gripping dive into a world where beauty hides terrible secrets, and winning means everything.
Dancing Friendship Mystery
13-18 Years 408 Pages
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Tiny Pretty Things

Shiny Broken Pieces

By: Sona Charaipotra , Dhonielle Clayton
The stage is set, the spotlight is glaring, and no one is playing nice anymore. You are heading back to the fiercely competitive halls of New York City's most elite ballet conservatory. June, Bette, and Gigi have poured their blood, sweat, and tears into perfecting their craft, but only one of them can claim the ultimate prize: a coveted spot at the prestigious American Ballet Company. As the final audition approaches, you will watch these three dancers push their minds and bodies to the absolute breaking point. The stakes have never been higher, and the pressure is forcing them to confront painful sacrifices and deeply buried secrets. False accusations are flying, and the burning desire for revenge threatens to destroy everything they have worked for. In a world where perfection is demanded and weakness is exploited, you will see exactly what it takes to survive. When friendships shatter and loyalties fade, it becomes a breathless race to see who will finally take center stage and who will be left in the shadows.
Action Dancing Friendship
13-18 Years 384 Pages
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By: Sona Charaipotra , Dhonielle Clayton
All it takes is one tiny spark to burn a life straight to the ground. You are stepping into the cutthroat halls of Foxham Prep, a hyper-wealthy private school for the children of Washington DC's elite. Here, gossip is a blood sport, and nobody knows that better than Bryn. She used to have the perfect boyfriend and unquestioned popularity, until one devastating mistake ruined her social standing completely. Now, the spotlight has shifted to Georgie, a formerly awkward student who returned from summer break with a massive glow-up. When a scandalous new rumor ignites online, it rockets Georgie to the very top of the social hierarchy, pitting her directly against the school's fierce cheer captain. As you watch the rumors blaze through their social media feeds, the lives of all three girls begin to dangerously unravel. You will be kept on the edge of your seat as the lies grow more toxic by the minute. Someone close to the drama has the power to stop the wildfire, but in a school where everyone has a secret, you have to wonder if they even want to.
Friendship Mystery
13-18 Years 531 Pages
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By: Jennifer L. Armentrout , Dhonielle Clayton , Katie Cotugno , Jocelyn Davies , Nina LaCour , Emery Lord , Katharine McGee , Kass Morgan , Meredith Russo , Sara Shepard , Nicola Yoon , Ibi Zoboi , Julie Murphy
Whether you believe in serendipity, carefully calculated matchmaking, or just plain luck, every great romance has to start somewhere. Welcome to the magic of the meet cute. This collection brings together some of the biggest voices in young adult fiction to explore the unforgettable moments when two paths cross for the very first time. Dive into a diverse array of beginnings that range from wildly futuristic flirtations to hilariously awkward airport encounters. You will experience the spark of connection through a cranky customer service tweet, a frantic escape from a busted house party, and a whimsical twist on a reality dating show. The stories sweep across different genres and realities, offering a little something for every kind of romantic heart. Whether the setting is a bustling diner, a missed subway train, or a completely reimagined world, the emotional stakes remain undeniably real. Crafted by a powerhouse lineup of bestselling authors, these tales capture the dizzying, unpredictable thrill of falling for someone new. Prepare for short stories that are witty, heartbreaking, and epic in equal measure. Finding love is rarely simple, but the moment it begins is always a story worth telling.
Anthologies Diverse Voices Short Stories
13-18 Years 320 Pages
N/A /5
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