Happy 1st Birthday to my firstborn! BEASTS OF PREY is the book of my heart, and she’s officially been out in the world for a whole year!! On its surface, this story is wish fulfillment, the story of two Black kids (a warrior-in-training and a beastkeeper at a magical zoo) who go on an epic mission into a magical jungle to hunt down a monster. Within its pages though, I like to think there’s a bit more there. It’s the story of two teens grappling with grief, trauma, and the overwhelming fear of finding their place within their communities and world. It’s a story that celebrates Black history and mythologies, while hopefully opening up new worlds for kids to question and explore. It is a book that has changed my life in many big ways, but so many tiny ones. Thank you to everyone around the world who has embraced BOP in all her fullness. Thanks to my agent, @petejknapp, for believing in her first, and thanks to the wonderful team at @penguinteen for giving her a home to grow up within. Of course, thanks to the many readers, educators, family, and friends, who have championed this book and series from the very beginning. My heart is full with gratitude. #ayanagray #beastsofprey #yafantasy #yafantasyseries #bookbirthday #yalit #bookstagram #booktok #blackstories #blackstoriesmatter #blackstorieshavepower #storyteller #fantasybooks #blackcreatives