Evette Dionne facts for kids

Evette Dionne is an American writer and editor. She writes about culture, history, and current events. Her first book for young people, Lifting As We Climb, was recognized for a major award in 2020. Evette Dionne was also the editor-in-chief of a magazine called ... from 2018 to 2021.

Early Life and Education

Evette Dionne grew up in New York. She first attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Later, she transferred to Bennett College, which is a historically Black college for women. She earned her bachelor's degree there in 2012. She also has a master's degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Writing Career

Evette Dionne is known for her writing on culture. Her work often focuses on Black feminism and important news topics. She has written for many popular publications. These include Teen Vogue, The New York Times, and Harper's Bazaar. Before becoming a full-time writer, she was a senior news editor at The Revelist and Clutch Magazine.

Her ideas and opinions have been shared by other news outlets. She has commented on topics like the famous writer Toni Morrison. She has also discussed the legacy of basketball star Kobe Bryant. Evette Dionne has contributed to other books as well. These include Burn It Down (2019) and Can We All Be Feminists? (2018).

Books for Young Readers

Evette Dionne has written several books. Her first book, Fat Girls Deserve Fairy Tales Too, was published in 2019.

Her book for middle schoolers, Lifting As We Climb: Black Women’s Battle for the Ballot Box, came out in 2020. Evette Dionne was inspired to write this book in 2016. She noticed many people visiting the graves of white women who fought for the right to vote. She wanted to make sure that the important contributions of Black women in the fight for voting rights were also recognized.

Lifting As We Climb was written for young readers. It received very good reviews. The School Library Journal called it a "must-purchase" book. Kirkus Reviews said it was a "lively and critical addition." This book helps us remember the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote.

Evette Dionne also released a memoir in 2022. It is called Weightless: Making Space for My Resilient Body and Soul.

Published Works

• Fat Girls Deserve Fairy Tales Too (2019, Seal Press; ISBN: 9781580059268)
• Lifting As We Climb (2020, Viking; ISBN: 978-0-451-48154-2)

Awards and Recognition

Lifting As We Climb has received several awards:

• 2020 – National Book Award for Young People's Literature, Longlist (meaning it was on the first list of nominees)
• 2021 – Orbis Pictus Award, Honor
• 2021 – ALA, Coretta Scott King Book Award, Honor
• 2021 – National Council for the Social Studies, Carter G. Woodson Book Award, Winner (Secondary Level)