Lisa Stringfellow writes middle grade fiction and has a not-so-secret fondness for fantasy with a dark twist. She is the author of two books for young readers, Kingdom of Dust and A Comb of Wishes, which Newbery Award–winning author Kelly Barnhill called “one of the most promising works of fiction in a long time.” Lisa writes for her twelve-year-old self, the kid waiting to be the brown-skinned hero of an adventure, off saving the world.
Lisa’s work often reflects her West Indian and Black southern heritage. She received the inaugural Kweli Color of Children’s Literature Manuscript Award for a draft of A Comb of Wishes, which was a Bram Stoker Award Finalist, an Indies Introduce Top Ten title, an Indie Next List selection, and a New England Booksellers Association Book Award Finalist. Author P. Djèlí Clark calls her West African–inspired fantasy, Kingdom of Dust, “A fascinating fairy tale of memory, the power of storytelling, and magic!”
Her happy place is her classroom of fifth and sixth graders, where she champions the rights of all children to see themselves in books. A teacher for over 30 years, she is passionate about engaging students in their learning through authentic writing experiences and innovative practices, exploring the intersection of literacy and technology. She maintains a strong online presence as a literacy advocate. Her professional work has appeared in Edutopia, Education Week, and Independent Teacher Magazine.
Lisa lives in Boston, MA, with her children and bossy cat. Learn more about Lisa on her website: http://lisastringfellow.com
Awards & Recognition for A COMB OF WISHES
2024 Rhode Island Children’s Book Award Nominee
2022 Bram Stoker Award Nominee
2022 New England Book Award Finalist
2022 Nerdy Book Club Award Winner
2022 Horn Book Summer Reading Recommended Title
Read With Jenna Jr. Summer Reading Title
Indies Introduce & Indies Next Kids Title
“Imbued with a magic that felt as real as the concrete and beloved world in which it is set, this story moves with a plot that is both surefooted and wild, both inexorable and surprising, both cerebral and emotional. I loved it so much.”
— Kelly Barnhill, author of the Newbery Award-winning novel The Girl Who Drank the Moon
”Stringfellow weaves an enchanting tale of loss, longing, and discovery infused with Caribbean folklore. Readers will be captivated by Kela’s story and become invested in her journey…Will tug at readers’ heartstrings.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Reviews for KINGDOM OF DUST
“A fascinating fairytale of memory, the power of storytelling, and magic! Lisa Stringfellow has crafted a fantastic story of a young girl seeking to save her kingdom from the usurper that would destroy it. This coming of age story of self discovery is a gift to young readers, who will hopefully see themselves mirrored in a heroine worth rooting for!”
— P. Djèlí Clark, award-winning author of Abeni’s Song
“Such a cool, different, princess-in-a-tower story; I loved the world Lisa built and the determined young heroine who has to save it.”
— Tui Sutherland
author of the New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series
“Storytelling has the ability to shape who we are and how we navigate the world. Nowhere is that more true than in Kingdom of Dust where Lisa Stringfellow has crafted a heartfelt tale full of adventure, community, mystery, and magic. This story is one that all young readers will be absolutely delighted to discover!”
— Kalynn Baron, New York Times bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead
“A fast-paced and suspenseful adventure story with rich world-building and a compelling narrative”
— The Horn Book
Spooky Middle Grade 