Doris Buchanan Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Doris Buchanan Smith
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| Born | June 1, 1934 Washington, D.C. |
| Died | August 8, 2002 (aged 68) Jacksonville, Florida |
| Occupation | novelist |
| Nationality | American |
| Period | 1973–2002 |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Notable works | A Taste of Blackberries, 1973, Return to Bitter Creek, 1986, Last Was Lloyd, 1981, Voyages, 1989 |
| Notable awards | ALA Notable Children's Book, Georgia Children's Author of the Year, Georgia Children's Book Award, Georgia Author of the Year, Josette Frank Award, Parents' Choice Award, Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, Zilveren Griffel |
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Doris Buchanan Smith (born June 1, 1934 – died August 8, 2002) was an American writer. She was famous for her award-winning books for children. Her most well-known book is A Taste of Blackberries, published in 1973.
Her Famous Books
Doris Buchanan Smith's book, A Taste of Blackberries, became very popular when it came out in 1973. People even compared it to the classic book Charlotte's Web. In the 1970s, Smith became known for writing stories that were easy to read but dealt with serious topics.
A Taste of Blackberries explores feelings honestly. One reviewer said it was not just a sad story, but a way to celebrate life's journey. Another critic, David Rees, called it one of the best children's books by a new author in 1975. Jim Trelease, an expert on reading aloud, said this book helped pave the way for many other stories about dealing with sadness.
A Taste of Blackberries won several awards. These included the Josette Frank Award and the Georgia Children's Book Award. It also won the Best Children's Book Prize in the Netherlands, called the Zilveren Griffel. The book was named an ALA Notable Children's Book and was a finalist for the Newbery Medal. It has been translated into many languages, like Dutch, Danish, French, Spanish, and Japanese. Many people see it as an important book, similar to Katherine Paterson's Bridge to Terabithia, for how it talks about difficult subjects.
Smith wrote other notable books too. Return to Bitter Creek (1986) won the Parents' Choice Award. It was also named a Best Book of the Year by School Library Journal and Publishers Weekly. Last Was Lloyd (1981) also received recognition from School Library Journal. Other books like Voyages (1980), The First Hard Times (1983), and The Pennywhistle Tree (1991) were all named ALA Notable Children's Books. Her last published work was Remember the Red Shouldered Hawk in 1994.
About Her Life
Doris Jean Buchanan was born on June 1, 1934, in Washington, D.C.. Her parents were Charles and Flora Buchanan. When she was just two years old, she loved memorizing nursery rhymes. Soon, she started making up her own stories.
When Doris was nine, her family moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Her sixth-grade teacher, Miss Pruitt, noticed how good she was at storytelling. Miss Pruitt asked Doris if she wanted to be a writer someday. This idea stuck with Doris, and she began writing secretly. The next year, her parents divorced. Doris and her brothers, Bob and Jim, were raised by their mother.
Doris met R. Carroll Smith while attending South Georgia College. They got married in December 1954. The Smiths lived in Brunswick, Georgia. They raised five of their own children and also cared for many foster children. One foster child lived with them from age 12 until they became an adult.
After her youngest child started public school, Doris focused more on her writing. She joined a writers group and went to writing conferences. Her first full novel was not published, but her second one, A Taste of Blackberries, became a classic. It has been in print since 1973.
Doris Buchanan Smith passed away in August 2002. Out of her 17 books, A Taste of Blackberries is still widely available today. Many people remember its powerful message. One editor recalled a line from the book where a character says, "I'll bake a pie. And you be sure to come slam the door for me now and then." This line, she said, still has a strong impact.
- Zilveren Griffel - Dutch Award
