Dhonielle Clayton is an American author and educator known for her contributions to young adult literature. She is best recognized for her popular series, The Belles, which explores themes of beauty, identity, and societal expectations. Clayton's writing often incorporates elements of fantasy and magic, appealing to a diverse audience. In addition to her work as an author, Clayton is a co-founder of The Brown Bookshelf, an organization dedicated to promoting Black children's literature. She has also served as a former librarian and has been involved in various initiatives to support diversity in publishing and literature.