Barbara Williams (writer) facts for kids

Barbara Williams (1925 – 2013) was an American writer who created many wonderful books for children. She is especially famous for her exciting story Titanic Crossing. This book became a huge hit and even won a special prize called the Mark Twain Readers Award in 1998.

Barbara Williams' Early Life

Barbara Williams was born on January 1, 1925, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her father was Walter Wright. Barbara started writing at a very young age, when she was only five years old.

Her teachers encouraged her to be the "classroom reporter." She wrote for the children's section of a local newspaper. She kept writing for this paper until she was in seventh grade. By then, she had become the editor of that same page! She sold her very first story to the Salt Lake Tribune when she was just twelve years old.

Barbara graduated from East High School in 1942. She then finished her studies at the University of Utah in 1946. That same year, she married J. D. Williams. The couple moved to Washington D.C.. There, Barbara worked at the Library of Congress.

In 1952, six years later, they moved back to Salt Lake City. Her husband started the Hinckley Institute of Politics there. After returning home, Barbara taught at the University of Utah for twelve years.

Her Career as a Writer

While in high school, Barbara became good friends with Emma Lou Thayne. In 1952, Barbara and Emma Lou started a writing group. Six other promising writers from Salt Lake City joined them. This group met regularly for 16 years. Barbara even called Emma Lou her "spiritual mentor."

Barbara's first book, Let's Go to an Indian Cliff Dwelling, was published in 1965. Even though she loved writing fiction, many of her early books were non-fiction. By 1983, she had written almost thirty different books. Twelve of these were picture books for younger children.

Her most popular book was Titanic Crossing. This book sold over a million copies! It even reached #3 on Publishers Weekly Fiction Bestsellers List.

Personal Life and Passing

Barbara Williams had four children with her husband, J. D. Williams. Her husband passed away in 2007. Barbara herself passed away in Salt Lake City in 2013.

Books by Barbara Williams

Barbara Williams wrote a total of 52 books during her life. These included non-fiction books, picture books, and novels for young adults.