Derrick Barnes is a native of Kansas City, MO. He is a graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in Marketing. He is also known for writing best selling creative copy for various lines as the first African American male staff writer for Hallmark Cards.

He is the author of the ultra-popular series entitled RUBY AND THE BOOKER BOYS, published by Scholastic. The highly acclaimed novel WE COULD BE BROTHERS (Just Us Books) was his first middle-grade release. He has two forthcoming picture books–CROWN: AN ODE TO THE FRESH CUT published by Denene Millner Books/Agate Bolden. For his work in CROWN, Derrick received the 2018 EZRA JACK KEATS award/New Writer, a 2018 John Newbery Honor, a 2018 Coretta Scott King Award Author Honor, and the 2018 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers. THE KING OF KINDERGARTEN (July 2019), published by Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin, debuted on the NY Times Bestsellers list. The first book in a three-book sports series entitled WHO GOT GAME?- BASEBALL, published by Workman Publishing, will be released on March 17, 2020.

He resides in Charlotte, NC with his enchanting wife, Tinka and their sons, Ezra, Solomon, Silas, and Nnamdi.
http://www.derrickdbarnes.com