Dinah Johnson facts for kids
Dinah Johnson (born Dianne Johnson on August 6, 1960) is a well-known author and a professor of English. She is also known as Dianne Johnson-Feelings. Dinah Johnson has written books about the history of Black children's literature. She is most famous for her own children's books. These books often focus on African-American culture and her home state of South Carolina.
About Dinah Johnson
Dinah Johnson was born in Charleston, South Carolina. She grew up and went to Spring Valley High School in Columbia, South Carolina. She then went to Princeton University to study English and creative writing. Later, she earned her master's and doctoral degrees from Yale University. She studied Afro-American Studies and American Studies there.
Her Books for Young Readers
Dinah Johnson's first book was called Telling Tales: The Pedagogy and Promise of African American Literature for Youth. It was published in 1990. In this book, she wrote about the history of children's books. These books were made for young Black readers. She also wrote about Black authors. People who reviewed the book said it was a very important resource. For many years, it was seen as the main book about early Black children's literature.
She also helped put together another book called The Best of The Brownies' Book. This book came out in 1996. It was a collection of writings from The Brownies' Book. This was a magazine from the 1920s made for African-American children. Critics said this collection was a big help to the field of children's literature.
Praised Children's Books
Dinah Johnson's children's books have received a lot of praise. Her book Quinnie Blue, published in 2000, was named one of the best books of the year by Time Magazine. It was also on the Black Caucus of the American Library Association's list of top 20 books.
Her 2022 book, H is For Harlem, also got excellent reviews. It was praised for showing the history of Harlem in New York City. The book highlighted important places and famous people from Harlem.
Today, Dinah Johnson works as an English professor. She teaches at the University of South Carolina.
Personal Life
Dinah Johnson was married to the illustrator Tom Feelings. They had a daughter together.
