Claribel A.

Ortega

Bestselling Middle Grade Novelist

New York Times Bestselling Author

Travels from: White Plains, NY

“Sharply insightful about the epidemic of hate against minority groups, Ortega invites readers to ponder the true definition of monstrosity as she puts her beloved trio through more challenges in this fast-paced and emotionally charged adventure. Cheeky and moving by turns; an adventure for a new generation.” — Kirkus Reviews

New York Times Bestselling and award-winning author, Claribel A. Ortega is a former reporter who writes middle-grade and young adult fantasy inspired by her Dominican heritage. When she’s not busy turning her obsession with eighties pop culture, magic, and video games into books, she’s co-hosting her podcast Bad Author Book Club. Claribel is a Marvel contributor and has been featured on Buzzfeed, Bustle, Good Morning America and Deadline.

Claribel’s NYT Bestselling debut middle grade novel Ghost Squad is being made into a feature film. Her latest Witchling’s series includes the books, Witchlings, The Golden Frog Games and House of Elephants (Scholastic). Both Witchings and The Golden Frog Games were Instant NYT and #1 Indie Bestsellers. Her graphic novel Frizzy with Rose Bousamra was winner of the 2023 Pura Belpré Award for Children’s Text and an Indie Bestseller.

Claribel A.'s Featured Titles

How it's Made: Graphic Novels

I go through the steps, with visuals examples, of how I wrote and Rose Bousamra illustrated, Frizzy. I include tools used, timelines and how text transforms to art to make a graphic novel.

Reading, and writing, through your fears

I go through my journey of growing up in the South Bronx, and surviving various fears and hardships to become a bestselling author. I talk about how the grief of losing my older brother pushed me to become an author and how grief specifically shaped my writing career. I teach kids how they can use their own fears and insecurities to fuel their art.

Witchlings: The Witches, Monstruos, and creatures of The Twelve Towns

I walk through the process of creating Witchlings characters and monsters. I include discussions on how my favorite movies, video games and songs inspired the series. This presentation can include a monster/character creation component at the end if time allows.

Love Yourself: A Talk About Frizzy

In this talk I tackle the world of beauty standards, self esteem and how media influences what we perceive to be beautiful through the lens of the graphic novel Frizzy.

“A gorgeous tale of determination and magic” ― Booklist

“Energetic and intelligent; invites readers to question their assumptions and the status quo” ― Kirkus

”Magic, friendship, and downright funny―Witchlings has all the ingredients for an enchanting read.” ― Kwame Mbalia, New York Times bestselling author of the Tristan Strong series

“Inventive. Magical. Enchanting. An absolutely charming tale with its heart rooted in the friendships we make and keep.” ― J.C. Cervantes, bestselling author of The Storm Runner series

Resources for Educators & Teachers Link

Claribel’s Quiz Link

Claribel’s Events Link

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Pura Belpré Award for Children’s Text, 2023
Eisner for Best Publication for Kids, 2023
Pura Belpre Author Award winner, 2023
Eisner Award Winner, 2023
Witchlings and The Golden Frog Games – Instant New York Times Bestseller
Frizzy – Indie Bestseller
BookPage Starred Review
Kids’ Indie Next List
Horn Book Starred Review
Publishers Weekly Starred Review
Kirkus Starred Review
SLJ Starred Review
A Barnes & Noble Bookseller Favorite
JLG Gold Standard Selection
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Best Books of the Year, 2022
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, 2022
NYPL Best Books of the Year, 2022
Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year, 2022

Media clips

Popverse | Claribel A. Ortega on Frizzy, learning to love your hair, and BookTok

Dominican Writers | ‘Witchlings,’ Worldbuilding & Writing for Kids: A Q&A with Claribel A. Ortega

Publishers Weekly | Spring 2020 Flying Starts: Claribel Ortega

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

Ortega

How it's Made: Graphic Novels

Reading, and writing, through your fears

Witchlings: The Witches, Monstruos, and creatures of The Twelve Towns

Love Yourself: A Talk About Frizzy

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Media clips

Media Kit

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