Kaylee Harrington grew up in Myrtle Beach, helping at her parents' café. Her love for reading flourished amidst the tourism-driven environment of the Grand Strand.
Julianne Santos grew up in La Jolla, California, surrounded by the ocean, influenced by her mother’s marine biology career and her family's love for nature.
Chris Valente, raised in Santa Barbara, grew up in a philanthropic family. He now writes novels and essays blending ecology with personal stories in Santa Monica.
Caroline Hensley, raised in Montgomery, Alabama, grew up in a family of educators, fostering her passion for storytelling and social justice from an early age.
Marc Devonte Prince is a gay Black man from Beaumont, Texas, advocating for resilience and community while prioritizing education amidst financial challenges.
DeAndre Holloway, a Chicago native, grew up in a middle-class family. He is an acclaimed author and advocate for urban storytelling, deeply rooted in his city's culture.
Willow Fitzgerald, raised on a ranch near Bozeman, Montana, developed a love for the land and horses, shaping her journey as an author and environmental advocate.
Charlotte Winslow grew up in a historic sea captain's home in Kennebunkport, where her family's maritime ties shaped her love for New England history and coastal life.