About Joy

Hi! Thanks for visiting my site! I'm Joy Givens, the author of the novel Ugly Stick and its companion collection April's Roots, and the co-author of The New SAT Handbook (written with the terrific Andrew Cole). I prefer to write middle grade and YA novels, leaning towards the fantastical and fabulous, but I've also branched into picture books after reading stacks upon stacks of them with my kids.

Born and raised with four siblings in Columbus, OhioI now live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with my fantastic husband, our two remarkable sons, and an impossibly lovable dog. In addition to my writing, I'm the owner and lead tutor of Givens Academic and Preparatory Tutoring, a company serving the greater Pittsburgh area. I also enjoy singing and listening to most genres of music, cooking for family and friends, volunteering in my church and neighborhood, and curling up with a good book and good coffee.