Alice McGill facts for kids
Alice McGill is a talented American writer for children. She is also a professional storyteller. Many of her books feature African American characters. They often explore important topics related to African American history and culture. One of her famous books is Molly Bannaky. This book tells the story of a young British girl in the 1600s. She later became the grandmother of Benjamin Banneker. He was the first Black man to publish an almanac. Molly Bannaky won several awards, including the 2000 IRA Picture Book Award and the 2000 Jane Addams Award. It was also named an ALA Notable Book.
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About Alice McGill
Early Life and Education
Alice McGill was born in a small town called Scotland Neck, North Carolina. She grew up in the countryside. She went to a school that had only four rooms. Her parents were a big influence on her. Both of them loved to read and tell stories.
Alice earned a special scholarship for four years. She used it to study at Elizabeth City State Teacher's College. There, she earned a degree in elementary education. This prepared her to teach young students.
From Teacher to Storyteller
After college, Alice McGill taught school for many years. Later, she decided to become a full-time storyteller. She traveled all over to share her stories.
Her research for storytelling has taken her to many places. She has visited 41 states in the United States and also Canada. She has also traveled to the West Indies and Africa. She shares stories from American, African, and African American traditions. She performs in libraries, classrooms, and other places.
One of her most famous performances is about Sojourner Truth. Sojourner Truth was an important person in history. She fought for the end of slavery and for women's rights. Alice McGill's story about her is based on Sojourner Truth's own writings.
Where She Lives Now
Alice McGill is married. She lives in Columbia, Maryland.
Books by Alice McGill
Alice McGill has written many wonderful books for young readers. Here are some of her selected works:
- The Griots' Cookbook (1985)
- Molly Bannaky
- Miles' Song
- "Sure As Sunrise: Stories of Bruh Rabbit and his Walkin' Talkin' Friends"
- In the Hollow of Your Hand: Slave Lullabies
- Here We Go Round
