Jacqueline Woodson is an award-winning American author of children’s and young adult literature. She was born on February 12, 1963, in Columbus, Ohio, and spent her early years in Greenville, South Carolina. Woodson is the author of more than thirty books for children, young adults, and adults, many of which have won numerous accolades, including the Newbery Honor, the Coretta Scott King Award, and the National Book Award.
Woodson’s writing often explores themes of identity, race, family, and social justice. Her works are known for their lyrical prose and emotional depth, which resonates with readers of all ages. Some of her most notable works include “Brown Girl Dreaming,” “After Tupac and D Foster,” and “Red at the Bone.” In addition to her writing, Woodson is also an advocate for literacy and serves as a member of the advisory board for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, with her family.
It’s a good idea to look at these 27 interesting facts about Jacqueline Woodson to know more about her.
- Jacqueline Woodson was born on February 12, 1963, in Columbus, Ohio.
- Her parents moved to Greenville, South Carolina, when she was young.
- Woodson was raised in a Jehovah’s Witness family.
- She began writing stories as a child.
- Woodson attended college at Adelphi University and later went to graduate school at the University of Iowa.
- Her first book, “Last Summer with Maizon,” was published in 1990.
- Woodson has written more than 30 books for children, young adults, and adults.
- Her book “Brown Girl Dreaming” won the National Book Award in 2014.
- Woodson is a four-time Newbery Honor winner.
- She is also a three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner.
- Woodson’s book “Another Brooklyn” was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2016.
- Her work has been translated into more than a dozen languages.
- Woodson is a member of the National Book Foundation’s board of directors.
- She was named the Young People’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation in 2015.
- Woodson was appointed the Library of Congress’s National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature in 2018.
- She has been awarded the Margaret Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults.
- Woodson’s book “Show Way” was a Caldecott Honor book in 2006.
- She has also written for television, including the series “Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child.”
- Woodson has taught creative writing at a number of universities, including NYU and Columbia.
- She was a writer-in-residence at the University of South Carolina in 2018.
- Woodson’s books often deal with themes of identity, race, family, and social justice.
- She has said that Toni Morrison was one of her biggest influences as a writer.
- Woodson has spoken out about the importance of diversity in children’s literature.
- She has also advocated for the use of literature to promote empathy and understanding.
- Woodson is a member of the advisory board for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
- She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her family.
- Woodson has said that she writes because “there are stories that need to be told.”
Jacqueline Woodson is a remarkable writer whose contributions to the world of children’s and young adult literature have been significant and influential. With a deep understanding of the human experience and a gift for storytelling, Woodson has created a body of work that resonates with readers of all ages. Her writing is lyrical, poignant, and thought-provoking, and her stories often explore complex themes of identity, family, race, and social justice. Through her work, Woodson has inspired countless young people to embrace their own stories and to strive for empathy and understanding in a world that can often be divided. Her impact on literature and her commitment to making the world a better place through her writing make her a true icon in her field.
