Mariama J. Lockington is an American author, educator, and adoptee known for her impactful middle-grade and young adult literature. Her debut middle-grade novel, "For Black Girls Like Me," received five starred reviews and was named a Today Show Best Kids’ Book of 2019. She followed this success with "In The Key of Us," a Stonewall Honor Award book featured in The New York Times. Her debut young adult novel, "Forever is Now," won the 2024 Schneider Family Book Award, further cementing her reputation as a compelling voice in contemporary fiction.
Lockington’s writing often explores themes of identity, belonging, and resilience, drawing from her personal experiences as an adoptee. With a background in education and poetry, she holds a Master’s in Education from Lesley University and an MFA in Poetry from San Francisco State University. Her work resonates with young readers through its lyrical prose and emotionally rich storytelling. She currently resides in Kentucky with her wife, her dog, and a collection of plants, continuing to write stories that uplift and inspire.