Kim Johnson

Kim Johnson has a rich history of leadership, beginning with her early roles in social justice organizations during her teen years and throughout college. Her passion for creating positive change led her to a distinguished twenty-year career in higher education, where she served in various administrative roles, ultimately becoming a vice provost where she advanced equity and access. Today, she is a renowned author, speaker, and consultant, continuing her mission to inspire and drive change in the world.

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Kim writes social thrillers ripped from the headlines tackling some of society’s most compelling issues through fast paced character driven stories. Her bestselling novel, This Is My America, won numerous 2021 accolades, including the Pacific Northwest Book Award and Malka Penn Human Rights Award for Children’s Literature. Her second novel, Invisible Son, was the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Nominee (ALAN) and a Black Caucus Young Adult Honor selection (ALA). She’s a two-time finalist for the 2024 and 2025 LA Times Book Prize for Invisible Son and The Color of a Lie. In 2025, The Color of a Lie took home the prestigious Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. 

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She holds degrees from the University of Oregon, University of Maryland, College Park, and an MFA from Oregon State University Cascades. She now lives in the Washington D.C area.

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(Photo credit JBoy Photography)