brenda woods was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, raised in Southern California, and attended California State University, Northridge. She is the award-winning author of several books for young readers: Coretta Scott King Honor winner The Red Rose Box, Saint Louis Armstrong Beach (on eight state award lists), VOYA Top Shelf Fiction selection Emako Blue, My Name Is Sally Little Song (on four state award lists), and A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Golden Sower Award finalist). Her numerous awards and honors include the Judy Lopez Memorial Award, FOCAL Award, Pen Center USA’s Literary Award finalist, IRA Children’s Choice Young Adult Fiction Award, and ALA Quick Pick. She is an avid reader, has two sons, and lives in the Los Angeles area.

Visit her at www.brendawoods.net.