Christina Hammonds Reed New York Times bestselling author of The Black Kids

Christina Hammonds Reed is the author of The Black Kids, her New York Times bestselling debut novel and coming-of-age story of a privileged Black teenager, Ashley Bennett, set against the backdrop of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. As Los Angeles goes up in flames, the novel follows Ashley’s attempts to soldier on as if life were normal while grappling with her self-destructive sister, her crumbling family, toxic friendships, and a life-changing rumor. With the city around her facing its own moment of reckoning, Ashley is forced to question what it means to be a good person, friend, sister, and what it truly means to be one of “the black kids”.

Reed’s unforgettable novel continues to receive critical acclaim and has been highlighted on must-read lists by CNN, USA Today, Financial Times, ELLE, Marie Claire, Buzzfeed, Teen Vogue, PopSugar, BookRiot, Bustle, and more. The book has been called “poignant and hard-hitting” (Buzzfeed) and praised for “aptly delv[ing] into the harrowing shift from black girl to black woman, while chronicling one of the most resounding examples of systemic racism in recent American history” (Nic Stone, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin).

Reed’s writing initiates timely conversations surrounding race, gender, class, violence, mental health, and more. In an engaging and candid way, she touches upon these pertinent topics in her talks and keynotes to both middle grade and adult audiences—offering an open and safe space for discussion on the most important issues facing our society.

In addition to publishing The Black Kids, Reed has previously written for the Santa Monica Review and One Teen Story. Her most recent essay for ELLE addresses the ongoing racial unrest in the nation and its relation to her own novel. Reed also holds an MFA from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts.