Kelly grew up in Louisiana and now lives in Philadelphia, where she earned an MFA from Rosemont College. Her mother was the first in her family to immigrate to the United States from the Philippines. Erin’s debut novel, "Blackbird Fly," was a Kirkus Best Book, an SLJ Best Book, an ALSC Notable, an Asian/Pacific American Award Honor Book, and a Cyblis Finalist. She is also the author of "The Land of Forgotten Girls" and her newest, "Hello, Universe."