Judy Juanita

Award-winning poet and short story writer, novelist, essayist, and playwright

 
Winner's seal, American Book Award
 

Winner, 2021 American Book Award

 

Manhattan my ass, you're in Oakland

 
 
 
Before Columbus Foundation
 

 Winner, 2021 American Book Award

Winner, American Book Award, 2021

Manhattan my ass, you’re in Oakland

 

Judy Juanita's writing sheds light on black people in California, particularly those living outside of history

Her writing embraces the brave, the humorous, the raw, the sexual, the outrageous, the quiet and unnoticed, those living in the underbelly of life in California, her native state.

 
Author Judy Juanita with Oakland behind

  • Winner, 2021 American Book Award

  • Winner, 2021 Tartt Fiction Prize

  • Twice nominated for a Pushcart Prize

  • Distinguished finalist in OSU’s 2016 Non/Fiction Prize

 
 
 

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Praise for Judy Juanita’s books:

Testimonials

“Unsettling, important, and unforgettable poetry”

— Kirkus Reviews

“Electrifying . . . Virgin Soul yields an engaging coming-of-age story, one that recalls a turbulent era in captivating prose.”

— San Jose Mercury News

“Intense, riveting, spellbinding, this tour de force places the reader on the frontlines of the 1960’s counter culture and the Black Power movement, one of the most turbulent times in American history.”

— Robert Alexander, author of Servant of the People

“Virgin Soul is first class awesome, every page a crackling hungry flame.”

— Joy Williams, author of State of Grace

“Funny and wise . . . a captivating tale about self-love told through the eyes of an unforgettable heroine”

— Essence

“What a distinctive, powerful, undaunted, sane, straight-shooting, de facto feminist voice!”

— Gail Wronsky, Poems for Infidels, Dying for Beauty

“Feisty, often humorous, and philosophical. It’s also passionate and filled with local spirit”

— Amazon reviewer

“What a masterful weave of history and contemporary culture, sensitive and packed with muscle and music.”

—Andrena Zawinski, poet, editor ("Landings").

 
Manhattan my ass, you're in Oakland

Winner, 2021 American Book Award