Elizabeth Agyemang, Author, Illustrator and Editor

Uplifting Diverse Voices

Storytelling — as seen through the lens of the works from author and illustrator Elizabeth Agyemang (CFA 2017) — is a colorful, magical tapestry woven by a legendary trickster spider.

The spider comes from Ghanaian folklore, and it drives the plot of her first book for middle schoolers, “Fibbed,” a graphic novel released in 2022.

“I tell stories that pull from my culture’s mythology, community elements and characters who are coming of age and learning about themselves,” Elizabeth says. “It's something that really excites me.”

“Fibbed” has some autobiographical elements — both the author and protagonist are first- generation immigrants. It explores themes of colonialism and environmentalism in the tradition of African storytelling but with a modern twist.

"Fibbed" taps illustration skills from her fine arts undergraduate studies while her next book, “Heart-Shaped Lies,” draws from her professional writing training. Slated for release later this year, that thriller novel for young adults follows efforts to solve the mysterious disappearance of a social media prank star.

“The novel was different because with a graphic novel, there’s a physical toll on your wrists from the drawing,” Elizabeth says. “But coming up with a mystery that was exciting, challenging and fun was hard in its own way, too.”

Elizabeth also works as an editor for HarperCollins Publishers and was named a Publishers Weekly Star Watch 2022 finalist, recognizing rising talent in publishing. Through her own editing efforts and service to publishing industry trade groups, Elizabeth is particularly passionate about opening a door for Black, Indigenous and People of Color creators.

“I'm really an advocate for diverse voices,” she says. “It’s my mission as an editor to acquire books from diverse communities to really uplift their voices.”

Story by Elizabeth Speed