Calvin Baker facts for kids

Calvin Baker is an American writer, teacher, and editor. He was born in 1972. He writes novels and essays. His work often explores the experiences of African Americans throughout history. He looks at how American identity is formed. He also writes about different cultures and modern life. People often praise his writing for its rich language.

About Calvin Baker

Early Life and Education

Calvin Baker was born in Chicago, Illinois. He went to the University of Chicago Lab Schools. In 1994, he graduated from Amherst College. He studied English there and earned high honors.

His Books

Calvin Baker has written several books. His stories often explore important ideas. They look at history and how people connect.

Naming the New World

His first novel was Naming the New World. It was published in 1998. He was only 23 years old when it was sold. The story starts in Africa before Europeans arrived. It then moves to modern America. Many people praised this book. They said it showed a new and important voice in American writing.

Once Two Heroes

His second novel, Once Two Heroes, came out in 2003. This book tells two stories at once. One story is about a white character, and the other is about a Black character. It explores how America and Europe were connected in the mid-1900s. It also looks at violence during World War II.

Dominion

In 2006, Baker published his third novel, Dominion. This book is about America before the Revolutionary War. It explores how a system of racial groups began. It also looks at the feelings of loss that early settlers, both Black and white, experienced.

Grace

His novel Grace was published in 2015. This book explores how a person's inner feelings connect with places. It also looks at how logical and emotional thoughts work together. The book shows the difference between public and private parts of ourselves.

A More Perfect Reunion

In 2020, Baker wrote his first nonfiction book. It is called A More Perfect Reunion: Race, Integration, and the Future of America. This book shares his thoughts on important topics.

Awards and Recognition

Calvin Baker has received many honors for his writing. In 2005, Esquire magazine named him one of the best young writers in America. His novel Dominion was a finalist for the Hurston/Wright Award. Newsday also named it one of the Best Books of the Year. Many critics and writers have praised his work.

Other Work and Life

Early in his career, Calvin Baker worked as a journalist. He wrote for newspapers like the New Orleans Times-Picayune. He also wrote for magazines such as Harper's Magazine and The New York Times Magazine.

He has taught English at Yale College and Columbia University. He also taught American studies in Germany. He helped start a digital content company called ScrollMotion. Calvin Baker lives in Saratoga Springs, New York.

See also

In Spanish: Calvin Baker para niños