Deborah Wiles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Deborah Wiles
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| Born | May 5, 1953 Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
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| Occupation | Writer |
Deborah Wiles was born on May 5, 1953, in Mobile, Alabama, USA. She is a talented author who writes books especially for children. Many of her stories are about families, friendships, and communities. She often includes important historical events, like the Civil Rights Movement or the Cuban Missile Crisis, and shows how children reacted to them. Deborah Wiles likes to say, "I take my personal narrative and turn it into story."
Her book, Each Little Bird That Sings, was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2005. Another one of her books, Revolution, was also a National Book Award finalist in 2014. She has won other awards too, like the PEN/Phyllis Naylor Working Writer Fellowship in 2004 and the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award in 2005.
Contents
About Deborah Wiles' Life
Deborah Wiles grew up in Mobile, Alabama. Her father, Thomas Edwards, was an Air Force pilot. Her mother's name is Marie Kilgore. Today, Deborah Wiles lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She is married to Jim Pearce, who is a jazz musician. They have four children. She earned a special degree in writing from Vermont College in 2003.
Deborah Wiles' Books
Deborah Wiles has written many different kinds of books for young readers. She has written picture books and longer novels. Her stories often help readers understand important times in history.
Picture Books by Deborah Wiles
- Freedom Summer (published in 2001): This book is based on Deborah Wiles' own memories of growing up in Mississippi during the summer of 1964. This was when the Civil Rights Act was passed. The story is about two best friends, one Black and one white, who want to swim together at the town pool. But they find out the pool has been closed. This event helps them become even stronger friends. Freedom Summer won several awards, including the Simon Wiesenthal Once Upon A World Award. It also won the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer award for Deborah Wiles.
- One Wide Sky (published in 2003): This is a rhyming counting book. It celebrates the beauty of nature and family. It was chosen as a Children's Book of the Month Club selection.
The Aurora County Trilogy
The Aurora County Trilogy is a series of three novels. They are set in a made-up place called Aurora County, Mississippi. This place is inspired by Jasper County, Mississippi, where Deborah Wiles spent some of her childhood summers. Her father grew up there, and her grandmother and great-grandmother lived there for most of their lives.
- Love, Ruby Lavender (published in 2001): This book is about a nine-year-old girl named Ruby. She lives in a town called Halleluia. When her grandmother, who is also her best friend, goes on vacation, Ruby has to deal with another girl, Melba Jane. Ruby and her grandmother write many letters to each other during the summer. This book was recognized as an ALA Notable Children's Book.
- Each Little Bird That Sings (published in 2005): This story is about Comfort Snowberger. Her family lives above a funeral home in Snapfinger, Mississippi. Comfort is very familiar with funerals. When her great-great-aunt and uncle pass away, Comfort has to face her sniffling cousin Peach and a best friend who is acting mean. Comfort learns that life is full of surprises. This book was a finalist for the National Book Award.
- The Aurora County All-Stars (published in 2007): This novel finishes the Aurora County trilogy. It's about a young baseball pitcher named House Jackson. His team, the Aurora County All-Stars, plays one big game every year on July 4th. House wants to win this game, especially since he broke his elbow last year. The story also involves a town pageant directed by the girl who accidentally broke his elbow. This book shows what it means to be strong and a good friend.
- A Long Line of Cakes (published in September 2018): This book is a companion story to the first three Aurora County novels.
The Sixties Trilogy
The Sixties Trilogy is a series of three novels for young readers. They are special because they are "documentary novels." This means they include real historical items like photographs, song lyrics, advertisements, and newspaper articles. These items are part of the story itself. The first book is set in 1962, the second in 1964, and the third in 1969.
- Countdown (published in 2010): This book takes place in October 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It tells the story of eleven-year-old Franny Chapman. She wants to feel important and belong. The story shows her life with her family and friends during the thirteen days when the world was very close to a nuclear war. Countdown received many awards and positive reviews, including being named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year.
- Revolution (published in 2014): This book tells a story from the Civil Rights Movement in 1964. It is seen through the eyes of 12-year-old Sunny Fairchild, who lives in Greenwood, Mississippi, during Freedom Summer. A character from Countdown, Jo Ellen Chapman, also appears in Revolution as a Freedom Worker. Revolution was a 2014 National Book Award Finalist and won a Golden Kite Award.
- Anthem (published in 2019): This book completes The Sixties Trilogy. It is set in 1969.
Other Works
Deborah Wiles has also written other books, including:
- Night Walk to the Sea: A Story about Rachel Carson, Earth’s Protector
- Bobby - A Story of Robert F. Kennedy
