Who is Ni-Ni Simone?
* A Jersey girl with an obsession for reality TV and celebrity gossip
* A prolific writer who “whipped up” her first YA novel, Shortie Like Mine, in just two weeks!
* The author of 7 teen novels for Dafina including: Upgrade U, The Break-Up Diaries (Vol. 1), and the forthcoming, No Boyz Allowed (July 31, 2012).
* Day five’s 28 Days Later featured author.
But, in her own words…
The Journey
Since I was a child I have always loved writing. I used to rewrite my favorite television shows and change the ending. I studied writing in college and was even the editor-in-chief of the college’s literary magazine. In 2003, I decided to pursue my writing on a professional level. I mailed my manuscript to a small publisher and was offered a book deal.
The Inspiration
I am inspired by love, life, people, trials, tribulations, and the life lessons that we all have learned, will learn, or should learn!
The Back Story
I am an established author in adult contemporary fiction. I was asked if I would like to write teen fiction and initially I said no. I didn’t think it was something that I could do. However, after thinking it over and speaking with a few friends I took on the challenge and to my surprise I fell in-love with this genre!
The Buzz
Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and Romantic Times have all given Ni-Ni Simone wonderful reviews! When my first teen novel, Shortie Like Mine, was released, Library Journal wrote “A Young Adult Star is born!”
The State of the Industry
I think that young adult fiction for children of color is such a beautiful thing! There was once a time when our teens had nothing to read that reflected them or spotlighted their beauty. However, that is no longer the case! They can now walk into a book store and have an amazing variety!
For more info on Ni-Ni Simone and her books, visit NiniSimone.com
The Brown Bookshelf is designed to push awareness of the myriad of African American voices writing for young readers. Our flagship initiative of is 
As always, I am surprised and tickled by the number of authors who have a successful crossover from being in contemporary adult fiction. Not everyone can make the jump well, but from the sound of it, Ni-Ni Simone has chops in both places. Well done!
It’s a pleasure to learn a little more about one of the most popular authors in my school library these days! I know my students will be glad to hear there is a new Ni Ni Simone book coming this year. I’m glad Ms. Simone decided to crossover to YA because she gives teen girls something they really enjoy reading.
` Ms. Simone is one of my favorite authors. I can read her books over and over again. She’s just H O T !
Ni-Ni simone is one of my favorite authors.i
Iove reading her books!!