Andrea Davis Pinkney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrea Davis Pinkney
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| Born | September 25, 1963 Washington, D.C., United States |
| Occupation | Writer of children's books |
| Alma mater | Syracuse University |
| Notable awards | Coretta Scott King Award |
Andrea Davis Pinkney (born 1963) is a super talented author. She writes amazing books for kids and young adults. Her books include picture books, novels, and stories about history. Many of her books share important stories about African-American culture.
Besides writing, Andrea has also worked as a publisher and editor. She helped other authors get their books out there! She even started her own special book imprint called "Jump at the Sun." Currently, she is a vice president at Scholastic Trade Books.
Her books have won many important awards. These include the Coretta Scott King Award. Her books have also been named "ALA Notable Books" five times. School Library Journal has called them "best books" three times. The New York Times has also chosen her books as "Editor's Choice" and "Notable books."
Andrea graduated from Syracuse University in 1985. She studied at the Newhouse School of Public Communications. She lives in New York City with her husband, Brian Pinkney. Brian is also an award-winning illustrator. They have two children.
Contents
Andrea's Journey as a Writer
Early Life and Education
Andrea Davis Pinkney was born on September 25, 1963. She was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in Connecticut. Her parents were involved in the civil rights movement. This movement worked for equal rights for all people. Andrea learned about this cause from a young age. She even went to important conferences with her parents.
Andrea went to Syracuse University. She graduated in 1985 with a degree in journalism. After college, she started working as an editor. She worked at magazines like Mechanix Illustrated and Essence. Later, she became an editor for book publishers. These included Simon & Schuster and Scholastic.
Collaborations and Recognition
While working as an editor, Andrea met Brian Pinkney. Brian is a famous children's book illustrator. He has won a Caldecott Honor award. Andrea and Brian later got married. They have worked together on many books. Some of their popular books include Sit In: How Four Friends Stood Up By Sitting Down and Duke Ellington. They also created Seven Candles for Kwanzaa and Dear Benjamin Banneker.
In 2014, Andrea was chosen for a special honor. She gave the May Hill Arbuthnot Lecture. This lecture celebrates important people in children's literature. She was recognized for her "significant contributions" to books for young people. Her work helps readers better understand African American heritage.
Andrea currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Honors and Awards
Andrea Davis Pinkney has received many important awards for her work:
- Carter G. Woodson Book Award, 2011
- Coretta Scott King Award, 2013
- The George Arents Award (This is Syracuse University's highest honor for alumni. It's given to people who have made big contributions in their fields.)
- Medgar Evers College Lifetime Achievement Award
