Mahogany L. Browne

award-winning writer, playwright, organizer, and educator

A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe

A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe

Mahogany L. Browne

A 2025 National Book Awards Longlist for People’s Literature title!

In this poignant mixed voice, mixed form collection of interconnected prose, poems and stories, teen characters, their families, and their communities grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst fear and loss, these New York City teens prevail with love, resilience and hope.

★ “Heavy, important, powerful and evergreen; remembers kids during the time when the world stopped.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “An emotionally impactful read.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ “The book boasts memorable characters and beautiful writing—especially the poems. It is singularly relevant in its unsparing examination of the plague and its impact on young lives.” —Booklist, starred review

★ “An essential purchase to explore grief associated with the pandemic; give to fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Elisabet Velasquez.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“[An] intriguing and heartbreaking collection of stories and poems.” —The Bulletin

Chlorine Sky

Chlorine Sky

Mahogany L. Browne

From the first ever poet-in-residence at Lincoln Center comes a bold coming-of-age story told in verse about a young woman who loses a best friend, but finds herself in the process. The joys of basketball, the tumult of high school, and the bonds of family are lyrically woven together in this must-read novel.

“A remarkable, compelling voice.” The Bulletin, starred review 

“A coming-of-age novel for Black girls who have been told they’re too much and yet never enough.” Kirkus Reviews

“An absolute masterpiece.” —Elizabeth Acevedo, New York Times bestselling author of The Poet X

“A story about heart and backbone, and one only Mahogany L. Browne could bring forth.” Jason Reynolds, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Long Way Down

Vinyl Moon

Vinyl Moon

Mahogany L. Browne

A teen girl hiding the scars of a past relationship finds home and healing in the words of strong Black writers. A beautiful sophomore novel from a critically acclaimed author and poet that explores how words have the power to shape and uplift our world even in the midst of pain.

“Interweave[s] poetry and prose… portraying with nuance a group of Brooklyn teens unpacking their traumas and finding their joy.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A beautiful love letter to Brooklyn, Black authors, and the beats that create the soundtrack of a young life evolving.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Browne’s bold imagining of robust support systems, reliable friendships, and assertive self-discovery offers a thoughtful roadmap for teens navigating tough times.” –The Bulletin

“An important asset for all school and library collections.” SLJ

Mahogany L. Browne

Mahogany L. Browne

Mahogany L. Browne, a Kennedy Center’s Next 50 fellow, is a writer, playwright, organizer, and educator. Browne received fellowships from All Arts, Arts for Justice, Air Serenbe, Baldwin for the Arts, Cave Canem, Poets House, Mellon Research, Rauschenberg, and Wesleyan University. Browne’s books include A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe, Vinyl Moon, Chlorine Sky (optioned for Steppenwolf Theater), Black Girl Magic, and banned books Woke: A Young Poets Call to Justice and Woke Baby. Founder of the diverse initiative Woke Baby Book Fair, Browne is the 2024 Paterson Poetry Prize winner. She is the inaugural poet-in-residence at the Lincoln Center and lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Connect with Us on Social

Follow Random House Children’s Books Teachers & Librarians for book news, conference information, behind the scenes content, and free resources!

Related Resources

Random House Children's Books Teachers and Librarians