Her children's picture books are simple yet poetic stories about African-American families, friendships, and common childhood experiences such as moving.
Her books for older children revolve around similar themes but also explore deeper issues such as teen pregnancy and divorce.
She attended Kent State University after graduating high school and studied special education, though she left before earning her degree to focus on her writing.
"[1] Jonathan Hunt, chair of the 2018 Margaret A. Edwards Award committee praised Johnson's writing for its timeless, nuanced, and elegant craft as well as its wide appeal.
Fellow children's book author Jacqueline Woodson describes Johnson's writing style as realistic, engaging, and accessible.
She won the Michael L. Printz Award from the American Library Association in 2004, recognizing The First Part Last as the year's "best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit".
"[9] In 2013, the Vermont College of Fine Arts and Barry Goldblatt Literary (an organization that works to foster the careers of children's and young adult authors) announced the creation of a scholarship named after Johnson.
The scholarship awards $5000 to up to two students of color attending the MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults program.