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This week's column is a continuing look at the great writers who have made lasting contributions to the world of children's literature.
"Writing has allowed us to do something positive with our life experiences. We try to enlighten, to change attitudes, to build with books" This is the philosophy of Fred and Pat McKissack. They both attended Tennesee State University. It was not until they both graduated that they were married. Pat was a teacher for 10 years and Fred was a civil engineer. They published their first book together in 1984 and have continued to work together and on their own individual pursuits ever since. They have written close to 100 books for children. In 1990, they were jointly awarded the Coretta Scott King Award for their book, A Long Hard Journey: The Story of the Pullman Porter, and again in 1993 for Sojourner Truth: Ain't I A Woman? Their book Rebels Against Slavery was a Coretta Scott King Honor Book. Some of their other popular books are Christmas in the Big House, Christmas In the Quarters, and A Picture of Freedom: The Diary of Clotee, A Slave Girl. The McKissacks have made history come alive for children and will continue to do this for many years to come. Virginia Hamilton Virginia Hamilton stands among the greatest contributors to the world of children's literature. Virginia often weaves her stories from those told to her family by her maternal grandfather who was a slave and escaped to Ohio. Virginia was born in 1936 and grew up on the family farm. She is a graduate of Antioch College. Influenced by her parents love of oral storytelling, Virginia likes to use traditional oral storytelling methods in her writing. One of her most well-known books, The People Could Fly, was published in 1985 and is a collection of American Black folktales. Virginia is an excellent writer and has been awarded many book awards. She was awarded the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal in 1995. This award is given to an author or illustrator whose books have made a substantial or lasting contribution to children's literature. In 1974, Virginia received the most coveted Newbery Medal for her book M.C. Higgins, the Great. In 1968, she received the Edgar Allan Poe award for The House of Dries Drear. She has also been awarded the Coretta Scott Award for her book, Her Stories. Virginia's books are a testament to the lasting contributions she has made to the world of children's literature. Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article African-American Children's Authors in Writing for Children is owned by Sue Reichard. Permission to republish African-American Children's Authors in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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