Meet JaNay Brown-Wood

We had the good fortune of connecting with JaNay Brown-Wood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JaNay, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always been a storyteller! I love crafting characters, molding settings, and taking my characters on different adventures–and doing this through books is such a fun thing to do! However, while I love to read now, I didn’t enjoy reading as a child. I actually hated it. It was like pulling teeth to get me to sit down and read independently. As I reflect back on that, I think it was because I couldn’t find books that had characters that reminded me of myself going on amazing adventures. The reason for this is that there was (and still is) a lack of diversity in books published for kids, thought it is getting better. Back then, it was difficult to find books featuring Black characters, especially those that didn’t include narratives related to slavery or oppression or civil rights. Those types of books didn’t interest me. But my experience with disliking books motivated me to write books that feature diverse characters so kids can of all different backgrounds can find themselves on the pages of books in meaningful and authentic ways, so they can become lifelong readers and learners, too. I pursued a career in writing and educating because I want children to find a passion and love for reading and for stories, and I want them to learn and strengthen their own skills while they do it. I am JaNay Brown-Wood, PhD, Author & Educator, and I write because I want kids to read, to learn and grow, to be inspired, and to make the world a better place!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I write children’s books and poetry. My books generally feature diverse characters and often have learning or a message weaved into them without sounding too didactic. Currently, I have 28 books published and am featured in 4 poetry anthologies–and even more books and anthologies are coming out! My books have garnered awards and accolades such as starred reviews from places like Kirkus and Publisher’s Weekly, a NAESP Children’s Book of the Year Award, a NCTE Notable Poetry Book for 2025, inclusion on several “Best Books of the Year” lists, and even the New York Times Best-Sellers list. My books have been featured on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “Storytime with the Metropolitan Museum of Art,” and have been translated into several languages. Finally, my books have been found on bookshelves all over the world in places like the Scholastic Book Fairs, Barnes and Noble, and Target.

Publishing for children is no easy feat! It took me about eight years from the conception of my first book “Imani’s Moon” to holding the award-winning book in my hand. That eight years was filled with rejection, but also, with learning of my craft. I studies, wrote, revised, and learned as much as I could! I did not let the rejection stop me and used it as fuel to keep going. A major lesson I learned during my path to publishing is that it takes perseverance to reach your dreams, very rarely does it come easily. However, you cannot let obstacles stop you! Keep pushing, keep learning, and keep growing–these are pillars that will bring you closer and closer to achieving your wildest dreams.

Overall, I want the world to know that sharing diverse books is of utmost importance, and that supporting child development and literacy is a priority. I also want people to know that through my books–but also through my author visits, presentations, and workshops–I can help support communities in working to provide a strong foundation for the children in their lives. That is a core piece of my brand: valuing children and helping to support their literacy and holistic development.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Sacramento is filled with wonderful places to visit and explore.

First, I would take my best friend, Lonie, to Tower Cafe where we would eat their world-class french toast. Then, we’d head over to McKinley park and visit the rose garden after walking around the park and library a few times. We’d then head over to Orphan for a late lunch and then catch a show at B Street Theater.

On Tuesday, we’d start the day walking the American River Parkway, stopping periodically to skip rocks along the river’s surface. Then, we’d rent rafts and soak in the sun reading, relaxing, munching on treats we brought with us from Nugget Market, listening to music, and viewing nature. After our afternoon at the river, a shower, and a nap, we’d head over to Localis for a top-notch meal. We’d finish off the night with a show at the Safe Credit Union theater.

On Wednesday, we’d head to Folsom for some shopping. We’d hit up the Folsom Outlets and then head over to the Palladio. We’d stop by Color Me Mine for a paint session, making beautiful ceramic pieces for each other, and then we’d catch a movie at the theater. We’d play giant jenga and checkers on the lawn and finish up with dinner at Mikuni’s.

Thursday, we’d make our way to South Sacramento and have coffee and breakfast at Old Soul. Then, we’d spend hours in Underground Books perusing the books and chatting with the staff. We’d have lunch at Selland’s Market then read in Land Park before heading to the zoo just for fun. We’d get dinner at Fixins and hear a speaker’s session at the Guild Theater.

The next day, we’d start off at Temple Cafe, drinking honey lattes and reading our books that we got from Underground Books. We’d visit Sacramento State and tour the college, catching a public lecture. Then, we’d head to Downtown Sacramento, stopping at the All Spicery for a few exotic spices, and visit the Main Public Library. We’d explore Downtown and stop for lunch at Mayahuel and then end the night off with a Kings game–Light the Beam!

Finally, we’d head to the Bay Area for the weekend, visiting the beach, eating world-class foods, enjoying tours of San Francisco, exploring museums and art galleries, and catching a mush-see show in the Golden Gate Theatre or the Orpheum Theatre.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people I’d shout out. First, my parents, Lee and Marci Brown, who have always encouraged and supported me. They instilled the value of education in me and they helped me to build a work-ethic that has gotten me so far. My parents are my rocks and I am so grateful for them.

I also want to shout out two of my past teachers: Paula Welch (my 5th and 6th grade teacher) and Stephen Barnett (my 3rd and 4th grade teacher). These teachers saw my talent for writing early on and encouraged it. Mr. Barnett would stay after school to let me finish writing my stories, no matter how much time I needed. Mrs. Welch gave me a chance to write/and illustrate a picture book and read it to the class. She continued to encourage my writing during my time in her class. Then, when I was being promoted from the 6th grade, she wrote a prediction of where I’d be in the future and it started like this “Best-selling author, JaNay Brown, has done it again!”

I’d also shout out my husband, Catrayel Wood, for his unwavering support of my dreams! I truly wouldn’t be able to do this work without him!

People like my parents and my teachers told me that this young, Black girl from Central California can accomplish amazing things–and I believed them. So very glad that I did! And people like my husband, continue to push me, and I am beyond grateful for it!

Website: https://www.janaybrownwood.com

Instagram: @janaybrownwood

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janay-brown-wood-8ab3a8289/

Twitter: @janaybrownwood

Facebook: JaNay Brown-Wood, Author & Educator

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JammieswithJaNay

Other: JaNay Brown-Wood Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@janaybrown-wood7286/videos

Here’s my electronic Business Card: https://blinq.me/OlWtsmj8aZW6

Image Credits
Mickaela Colvin Photography
Cory Mayo