Meet the Author: Charlene Thomas (ages 11-18)

Calling all budding authors and young writers! Young Adult author, Charlene Thomas will be discussing her latest novel Streetlight People and sharing about her writing process for those interested in creative writing. Following her presentation, Charlene will answer questions and sign books. Copies of Streetlight People will be available for purchase at the event in partnership with Curious Iguana.

About the book: A little bit Twin Peaks, a little bit Black Mirror, Streetlight People is a story of growing up in—and out of—a small town with a huge secret.

For most, Streetlight is a dot on the map you pass on your way to somewhere else. But if you live there, you’re either a Have-Not, like Kady, or a Have-Lot like her boyfriend, Nik, who also happens to be a member of the exclusive social club, The IV Boys.

Known for their powerful families and the coveted ball they host for a selective guest list, The IV Boys have always refused to accept Kady regardless of how much Nik loves her. All the Boys except for Aaron, who didn’t grow up in Streetlight and is one of the few who knows that life—real life—exists outside of it. But his stepmom has the kind of wealth and power even IV Boys can’t resist.

With Nik at college, Aaron stands by Kady’s side. But all Kady really wants is Nik, and when a chance encounter on Halloween hands her the power to twist and hold time, she doesn’t hesitate. Now she can keep Nik close for as long as she wants. 

While Kady tries to relive her best moments with Nik, the IV Boys have her in their sights. A rumor’s spreading that Kady and Aaron are much more than friends—and not even twisting time is enough to defend against the power that the Boys were born with.

The more Kady changes the clock, the more dizzying reality becomes, until she stumbles upon a truth darker than anything she could have imagined. Streetlight is filled with monsters—and maybe she’s always been one, too.

About the author: Charlene Thomas is an American author of young adult fiction and a writing coach. Her debut novel, Seton Girls, released with Penguin Random House in 2022, and her sophomore novel, Streetlight People, released in November 2024. She also has a third novel, titled It's You Every Time, coming from Scholastic in Summer of 2025. 

Charlene was sixteen when she wrote a manuscript that won the National Novel Silver Award from Scholastic Books and went on to minor in creative writing at North Carolina State University. She also has her MBA from Emory University, and recently completed the Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing post-graduate program at The University of Cambridge. Charlene is also a trained marketer, with experience working on major brands. 

She's a big dreamer and believes a lot in people and what all of us are capable of, and maybe that’s why she loves creating big characters who are steadfastly determined to change their own little parts of the world. If you ever want to reach out, or are interested in learning more about her coaching offerings for writers, never hesitate to contact her via email at charlenethomasbooks@gmail.com.