Bernice McFadden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernice McFadden
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Bernice McFadden
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| Born | September 26, 1965 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Pen name | Geneva Holliday |
| Education | St. Joseph's College |
| Genre | novel |
Bernice L. McFadden (born September 26, 1965) is an American author known for writing powerful novels. She has written fifteen books. Besides writing, she is also an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Tulane University in New Orleans.
Life and Career
Bernice L. McFadden was born and grew up in the neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Her experiences there have often inspired her stories.
McFadden has received many opportunities to focus on her writing. These include being a fellow at the MacDowell Colony in New Hampshire and a writer-in-residence in Egypt and Georgia. These special programs give authors time and space to work on their books.
In 2016, she earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in creative writing from St. Joseph's College. This is a special degree for writers to help them improve their skills.
The Word "Angelcestor"
In 2022, McFadden created and copyrighted a new word: Angelcestor. She defines it as "A divine ancestor who serves as guide and protector of the living." This unique word shows her creative way of thinking about family and history.
Famous Books
McFadden has written many acclaimed novels. Her stories often explore important themes about family, history, and the lives of African Americans. Here are some of her most well-known books:
- Sugar (2000): Her first novel, which was selected by Barnes & Noble as a "Discover Great New Writers" book.
- The Warmest December (2001)
- This Bitter Earth (2002)
- Loving Donovan (2003)
- Glorious (2010): This book was chosen for the One Book, One Harlem reading program.
- Gathering of Waters (2012): Named one of the 100 Notable Books of the year by The New York Times.
- The Book of Harlan (2016): This novel won the American Book Award and an NAACP Image Award.
- Praise Song for the Butterflies (2018): This book was nominated for the prestigious Women's Prize for Fiction.
Awards and Recognition
Bernice L. McFadden has received many awards for her writing. Her work is celebrated for its powerful storytelling and deep characters.
Some of her major honors include:
- The NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work for The Book of Harlan (2017).
- The American Book Award for The Book of Harlan (2017).
- The BCALA Honor Award for Praise Song for the Butterflies (2019).
- Her books have been named "Notable Books" by The New York Times and The Washington Post.
- She has been nominated for the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award multiple times.
- In 2019, Essence Magazine named Gathering of Waters one of the "Best Books of the Decade."
Her first novel, Sugar, was picked for the Richard and Judy Book Club in the UK in 2021, introducing her work to many new readers.
