Francina Simone

Francina Simone writes contemporary fiction for teenage audiences with humor, emotional candor, and a focus on Black teenagers defining themselves beyond other people’s expectations. Smash It! follows Olivia “Liv” James as she decides to stop hiding during junior year and creates a list of challenges designed to make her bolder. Auditioning for the school musical, trying new friendships, and navigating complicated romantic feelings turn that resolution into a messy experiment rather than a simple makeover. Inkyard Press released it in 2020 and presents it as an energetic growth narrative about confidence, friendship, and the consequences of acting before every feeling is understood. Simone keeps Liv’s voice central, allowing comedy and embarrassment to coexist with questions about body image, performance, and belonging. Smash It! draws structural inspiration from Shakespeare’s Othello while giving its central student room to challenge the roles available to her. Readers will find that Liv learns boldness requires reflection as well as nerve.