Called “the future of YA fiction” who “is showing up big” by KC Book Beat, AJ Whitney is a Kansas City author and high school counselor who’s rewriting what YA can be.

Known for her dark speculative fiction, she weaves stories of horror, fantasy, thrillers, and dystopian twists that keep readers turning pages late into the night. Her debut Sovereign launched The Sovereign Trilogy — a series filled with high stakes, cliffhangers, and shocking surprises.

When she isn’t writing, AJ is guiding teens through the ups and downs of high school life. She’s passionate about helping them “own their weird,” while also championing causes like anti-bullying and LGBTQ+ education. Blending her love for storytelling with her heart for teens, AJ writes to challenge norms, celebrate individuality, and remind readers that the dark can be just as powerful as the light.