Author Spotlight: Get to Know Author Candid Brandon
Candid Brandon: Writing Stories That Let Children Feel Seen
For this week's Author Spotlight, we’re excited to feature Children’s Author Candid Brandon, whose work is validating, playful, and deeply affirming—and whose greatest hope is simple and powerful: that children feel joy when they read.
A Love for Stories That Started Early
Candid's author journey began in elementary school with a story called Braces and the Teeth – A Love Story. After winning a local public radio writing contest and reading her story live on air, something clicked. She knew then that she wanted to be an author.
Years later, while teaching second grade, that dream came fully into focus. Reading time quickly became the highlight of each school day, and it was in the classroom—surrounded by young readers—that the belief took root: I can do this. I want children to say I’m their favorite author because my books make them feel seen.
Inspired by Life—and Imagination
Drawing inspiration from life itself—the past, the present, and the imagined future—Candid creates stories that center children’s emotions and experiences. While Roald Dahl’s Matilda once sparked a love of storytelling, today the author is deeply inspired by the art of Kadir Nelson and dreams of collaborating with him one day.
About Her Books
Candid’s mission is to create stories where children feel joy, validation, and deep affirmation every time they turn the page.
Her featured titles, Oh Brother and Unapologetic Hair, each offer young readers something meaningful and memorable. And if the characters could share a bit of wisdom, it would be this: accept people as they are, love them for who they are, honor their choices—and never forget to love yourself.
- Oh Brother was inspired by the rhythmic, repetitive cadence of Please Baby Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee. Written years before she became a parent, the story later proved to be beautifully spot-on once she entered motherhood.
- Unapologetic Hair is rooted in lived experience and the shared stories of Black girls—celebrating confidence, self-expression, and pride.
A Few Fun Facts About Candid
- Favorite childhood book: Matilda
- Favorite place to read: A sunny patio
- Book Theme songs:
- Oh Brother – We Are Family by Sister Sledge
- Unapologetic Hair – Don’t Touch My Hair by Solange
- Writing tools of choice: Pencil and keyboard
- One word for the journey: “A journey” (with a laugh)
Why Personal Libraries Matter
Building home libraries matters because they encourage pleasure reading, not forced reading. When books are accessible, curiosity grows—and joy follows.
Learn more and explore the author’s work:
www.thecandidauthor.com