Angela

May

Bestselling Middle Grade Author

Award-Winning TV News Journalist

Travels from: Charleston, SC

“This is storytelling for young readers at its finest–Equal parts summer adventure and environmental suspense, The Islanders is a middle-grade love letter to family, friendship, and the natural world.” – Kwame Alexander, Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling author of The Crossover

Angela May is the co-author of The Islanders, a New York Times bestselling series created with Mary Alice Monroe. All three books in their middle grade series are rooted in the magic of nature.

Angela graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in broadcast journalism and worked more than a decade in the field, learning multiple jobs in the news business and eventually served as reporter and morning news anchor.

After leaving the newsroom, Angela created her own business, working as a media specialist to help promote great books and share positive community stories as an on-camera talent. She has been working with Mary Alice Monroe for more than ten years as her assistant and PR manager. “The Islanders” was their first book collaboration together, and they continued to write together with “Search for Treasure,” followed by “Shipwrecked.”

Angela is a South Carolina native, and currently lives in Mount Pleasant with her husband and their two children.

Angela's Featured Titles

WILD ISLAND STORIES

Imagine spending a summer away from home on a small remote island where there are no roads, cars, or stores. And, no wifi too. Could you handle it? Join New York Times bestselling co-author Angela May, for a fun talk about the novel/series THE ISLANDERS, and how the Lowcountry’s animals and landscape inspired the adventures in this series. This book talk celebrates the magic of nature and the joy of getting outdoors to explore!

MORE GREEN TIME, LESS SCREEN TIME

It seems like almost everyone has a phone, tablet, or laptop competing for every spare minute of our time and attention. But, it’s important for people of every age to get outdoors to play. Angela May, co-author of the New York Times bestselling novel/series THE ISLANDERS, is using the power of stories to inspire you to make more time to get outside to explore. And she’s using the simple activity of nature journaling as the spark of inspiration, which is an important theme of The Islanders series.

BOOK INSPIRATION: ISLANDERS' STYLE (back up title: HOW STORIES ARE MADE)

Angela May, co-author of the New York Times bestselling middle grade series THE ISLANDERS, takes you behind the scenes to see how she and fellow writer Mary Alice Monroe created their hit series for kids.

How do you write a book together?
Where did the idea come from?
How long does it take to write one book?
What’s the process of getting a book published?
How can I get started on my own story?

These are some of the questions Angela will answer in this 30-minute interactive talk as she shares what she’s learned so far in her own journey into becoming an author. This discussion is perfect for both children and adults, especially for those who love reading and writing.

“Angela May did an amazing job of presenting about the writing process and where she gained her inspiration for the story. She presented to students of all age levels (Kindergarten through Fifth grade) and held their attention for the whole time. The excitement she feels for writing and her books was palpable and our students loved every minute of it.” – Yorktown Elementary School, 2024

“Students were engaged with the presentation. Angela shared videos and stories that made Dewees Island come alive for students.” – Rachel Roberts, teacher, Belle Hall Elementary, April 2023

“Everything was wonderful. Angela was engaging and informative throughout her presentation!” – Caroline Guerin, teacher, Belle Hall Elementary, April 2023

“It was mentioned to me by other teachers (and I noticed as well) how well you are able to connect with the students.” – Kristen Smith, school librarian, Carolina Park Elementary, Dec 2022

“It was an awesome presentation and the students are still talking about it many months later!!!” – Annissa Armstrong, media clerk, Mauldin Elementary, Sept 2023

“The Islanders is a triumph! Mary Alice and Angela have written a thrilling young reader’s summer vacation story that authentically explores the magic found in nature, friendships, and family… Highly recommended for adults too.” – Ron Block, Cuyahoga County Public Library

“I loved running around the woods as a kid, and playing in the pluff mud in Dewees’ creeks! It was just the escape I needed. Monroe and May did such a wonderful job of evoking the feeling of a childhood summer, and more specifically, of a childhood Lowcountry summer.” – Ryan Graudin, award-winning author of The World Between Blinks

“A tender, warmhearted tale in a memorable setting.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Monroe makes her middle grade debut with this comforting beach read about the healing power of friendship and nature.” – Publishers Weekly

“…a perfect summer adventure to dive into.” – Bookworm for Kids

“I enjoyed it immensely! The sweet story of loss, courage, and friendship that grows between strangers during an unplanned summer on a private island is the kind of story young people today need to read and will enjoy and learn as they do. The sea turtle education that is deftly slipped into the plot is the icing on the cake!” – Diane Robinson, Eagle Eye Bookshop (Decatur, GA)

“lt’s unusual for me to blog about a children’s book. So you have to know how very special THE ISLANDERS is. It’s written with middle school readers in mind. But it’s really for everyone who loves a good story with lots of heart.” – Jean Lewis, Book Reviewer (Maurice on Books)

“The Islanders is the next generation of that beloved classic [The Swiss Family Robinson], bringing the reader into today’s world with diversity, conservation, and the need for some unplugging. The Islanders is pure magic!” – Karen Schumann, RJ Julia Booksellers

Angela’s Events Link

Angela’s News Link

Honors, Awards & Recognition

THE ISLANDERS:

#2 New York Times Best Seller (Children’s Middle Grade Hardcover)
Junior Library Guild Selection
Amazon #1 New Release/Bestseller
2023-2024 SC Children’s Book Award nominee
2023-2024 Triple Crown Awards nominee (TX)
2022 – 2023 Horned Toad Tale Award List (TX)
Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Junior Title
Club Tome Society ‘It List’ Nominee
Amazon Editors’ Pick “Best Books for Ages 9-12”

SEARCH FOR TREASURE:

#3 New York Times Best Seller
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
Amazon #1 New Release
Kids’ Indie Next Pick (July/August 2022)