Breena Clarke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Breena Clarke
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Occupation |
|
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Webster College Howard University |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Notable awards | Alex Award (2000) |
| Parents | James Sheridan Clarke Edna Payne Clarke |
| Relatives | Cheryl Clarke (sister) |
Breena Clarke is an American writer and scholar. She is known for her interesting fiction books. Her first novel, River, Cross My Heart, won an award. Breena also organizes a special festival for women writers each summer. She does this with her older sister, Cheryl Clarke, who is a poet.
Contents
About Breena Clarke
Breena Clarke was born in Washington, D.C.. She grew up there with her three sisters and one brother. Her father, James Sheridan Clarke, was a veteran of World War II. Breena went to college at Webster College and later at Howard University.
Her First Book: River, Cross My Heart
Breena Clarke's first novel, River, Cross My Heart, was published in 1999. It became very popular. In October 1999, it was chosen for the Oprah Book Club. This means a famous TV host, Oprah Winfrey, recommended it to her viewers.
Reviewers said the book was full of great ideas. They also noted its beautiful writing and important historical details. The story captures a key part of the African-American experience. Publishers Weekly called it a "haunting story." The book even stayed on The New York Times bestseller list for a month.
More Novels by Breena Clarke
Clarke's second novel, Stand the Storm, came out in 2008. This book is another exciting work of historical fiction. A reviewer from The Washington Post said it tells a powerful story. It shows the strong desire of African Americans for true freedom. This story is woven into the larger history of America.
Her third novel, Angels Make Their Hope Here, was published in 2014. This book also received good reviews. For example, Alan Cheuse from NPR's All Things Considered praised it.
Awards and Recognition
Breena Clarke has received several awards for her writing:
- 1999: She won the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association (NAIBA) award for fiction.
- 2000: She received the Alex Award from the Young Adult Library Services Association. This award is given to books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults aged 12–18.
