Author and advocate Dhonielle Clayton is on a mission to ensure that children from all backgrounds can see themselves reflected in the pages of books. The Maryland native drew inspiration from her diverse upbringing, which included living in various countries due to her father’s military service. Her experiences of meeting people from all over the world and her love for fantasy novels like A Wrinkle in Time and The Hobbit shaped her worldview and led her to create the Conjureverse series.
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Clayton’s hit middle-grade fantasy series, Conjureverse, features diverse characters and magical settings, aiming to provide a sense of inclusion and representation for young readers. The latest instalment, ‘The Deadly Fates,’ was released on March 4, continuing the journey of protagonist Ella Durand at the Arcanum Training Institute, a magical school in the sky. Despite facing challenges and tensions among the magical population, Ella discovers her abilities with the support of her friends.
The idea for the Conjureverse series stemmed from Clayton’s time as a school librarian in East Harlem, where a student’s request for a book featuring a magic school for all children, regardless of background, struck a chord with her. Clayton emphasises the importance of every child having access to stories that reflect their identity, regardless of their nationality or heritage.
Despite initial doubts from others in the publishing industry, Clayton persisted in bringing the Conjureverse series to life, advocating for the representation of all children in literature. She believes that when children do not see themselves in books, it can lead to a sense of not belonging and exclusion. Through her work, Clayton aims to inspire the next generation of readers and writers by creating a space where everyone can find themselves.
In her approach to writing for young readers, Clayton taps into her own childhood experiences and journals to reconnect with the mindset of a child. She emphasises the importance of understanding the complexities of today’s youth growing up in a fragmented world, and she strives to engage their imaginations and emotions through her storytelling.
Beyond her writing, Clayton is dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices in literature. Through her entertainment company Cake Creative and involvement with the nonprofit organisation We Need Diverse Books, she advocates for diverse and inclusive stories to reach readers, educators, and librarians. Clayton highlights the need to protect the right to read and opposes book banning, aligning with Authors Against Book Bans to support educators and librarians in promoting diverse literature.
As a national leader for Authors Against Book Bans, Clayton is committed to ensuring that books representing diverse voices are accessible to all, advocating for the freedom to read without censorship or restriction. By creating a universe in the Conjureverse where every reader can find themselves and experience a sense of wonder and belonging, Clayton hopes to inspire readers of all ages to embrace their uniqueness and diversity.
‘The Deadly Fates’ by Dhonielle Clayton is now available from Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, inviting readers on a magical journey of self-discovery and empowerment. For Clayton, the essence of storytelling lies in creating spaces where everyone can see themselves reflected, fostering a renewed sense of wonder and imagination among readers of all backgrounds.