Derrick Barnes

DERRICK BARNES is the Newbery Honor author of Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, as well as several other acclaimed books, including the Ruby and the Booker Boys series: Brand New School, Brave New Ruby; Trivia Queen, Third Grade Supreme; The Slumber Party Payback; and Ruby Flips for Attention. Derrick and his wife, Tinka, reside in Charlotte, North Carolina, with their four sons.
Illustrator VANESSA BRANTLEY-NEWTON trained at the Fashion School of Technology and the School of Visual Arts. She has illustrated many books for children, including Mister and Lady Day, One Love, and Let Freedom Sing. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.