about

Fun, short bio:
Annada Hypes is a writer of children's books for people of all ages, including picture books and middle grade novels. She lives in Charlotte, NC with her spouse and three kids. The kids are always winning, and she's always searching for her coffee. She is a psychotherapist, writer, painter, yogger (a very slow jogger), music fan, and star gazer. She aspires to write books for overlooked or misunderstood kids that contain hope, compassion, and reverence for life. She is inspired by Madline L’Engle, Amanda Gorman, Maurice Sendak, Shel Silverstein, Cooper Edens, Cozbi Cabera, and Carson Ellis, among many others.

Long, serious bio:
Annada Hypes is a writer of children's books for people of all ages, including picture books and middle grade novels. She lives in Charlotte, NC with her spouse and three kids. After attending The Ohio State University and earning a Bachelor's of Fine Art degree with minors in math and philosophy, she attended UNC-Charlotte and earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She works with neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and/or otherwise fabulous youth. She feels privileged to hear stories everyday from her clients.

A lifelong recreational writer, Annada began writing more seriously and sharing her writing with others after her father passed away in 2019. Many of her stories include a child named Lux and a grandfather named Baba, who was imagined in her dad's memory. Her dad taught her to be curious about everything, explore the natural world, and, above all, treat others with compassion. He was also an excellent storyteller and took Annada to storytelling festivals as a child.

It was her great honor to be chosen as the 2024 mentee to the esteemed Jordan Scott in the PB Rising Stars Program. Under Jordan's mentorship, she worked to develop skills that embrace her love of poetry, mysticism, and folklore.

Annada aspires to write meaningful, moving books for people of all ages, and particularly for the overlooked or misunderstood kids who need messages of hope, compassion, and reverence for life. She is inspired by Madline L’Engle, Amanda Gorman, Maurice Sendak, Shel Silverstein, Cooper Edens, Cozbi Cabera, and Carson Ellis, among many others.

Interesting tidbit:
Annada's first poem of memory was about a forgotten shoe on a highway, inspired by Shel Silverstein. Alas, the poem has been long lost, probably on a highway somewhere. 

Awards:
2024 Picture Book Rising Stars Mentee, chosen by Jordan Scott
2025 50 Precious Words Honorable Mention