Joëlle Anthony, who also writes under the pen name J. M. Kelly, is an author known for her young adult and middle-grade fiction. Born in Portland, Oregon, she later relocated to a small island in British Columbia, Canada. Her published works include the YA novels "Restoring Harmony," "The Right & the Real," and "Speed of Life," the latter of which was shortlisted for the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award and nominated for the White Pine Award. Her middle-grade novel "A Month of Mondays" received the Violet Downey Award nomination and won the Voya Top Shelf Award. Anthony's writing has been recognized by the American Library Association, with "Restoring Harmony" longlisted for Best New Young Adult Fiction and "The Right & the Real" named a Bank Street Best Book of the Year.
Before dedicating herself to writing, Anthony pursued a career in theater, earning a BA in the field and appearing in films such as "What The Bleep Do We Know?" and "The Temp." Her transition to authorship was marked by a commitment to storytelling, particularly in capturing the struggles of young protagonists. "Speed of Life" was praised by Publisher's Weekly for its authentic portrayal of blue-collar teens overcoming adversity. Anthony shares her expertise through teaching at writing workshops, conferences, and schools across North America. She is a member of the Canadian Writers' Union and contributes to The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators' bulletin.
Currently, Anthony is working on a historical novel for adults set in 1962 Vancouver during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In addition to writing, she offers professional mentorship and editorial services, helping other writers refine their craft. Her career reflects a passion for both literature and education, bridging her theatrical background with her dedication to narrative artistry.