Dhonielle Clayton, born in 1983, is an American author and chief operating officer of We Need Diverse Books. She is known for her immersive world-building and lyrical prose, particularly evident in her "Belles" series which explores the complex relationship between beauty and danger. Clayton’s work often tackles themes of identity, family, and societal expectations, frequently centered around diverse characters and experiences. She frequently collaborates with other prominent young adult authors.









