Fredrick McKissack facts for kids
Fredrick Lemuel "Fred" McKissack, Sr. (born August 12, 1939 – died April 28, 2013) was an amazing African-American writer. He is famous for working with his wife, Patricia C. McKissack, to write over 100 children's books. These books taught young readers about the history of African Americans.
Together, the McKissacks won a special award called the Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. They received this award from the American Library Association in 2014, after Fredrick had passed away.
Fredrick McKissack's Life Story
Fredrick McKissack was born in 1939 in Nashville, Tennessee. His family was well-known for being architects. Their company, McKissack & McKissack, is thought to be the oldest architectural and construction business in the United States owned by African Americans.
After finishing high school, Fredrick joined the United States Marines. Later, he earned a degree in civil engineering from Tennessee State University. He was also very active in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s. He took part in sit-ins, which were peaceful protests to help end segregation (the separation of people based on race).
In 1964, Fredrick married Patricia Leanna Carwell. They had three children together. In the early 1980s, Fredrick and Patricia started writing children's books. They wanted to write about African-American history because they felt there weren't enough books on this topic for kids. Patricia once said, "Black kids needed to see themselves in books."
Patricia used to be a teacher and an editor. She did most of the writing for their books. Fredrick focused on doing all the research. Patricia explained, "He was gone most of the time. He was always into an interview trying to scrounge out some little piece of information."
Fredrick McKissack passed away in 2013. He was survived by his three sons: Frederick L. McKissack, Jr., and twins Robert and John. He also had three brothers and five grandchildren.
Important Books by Fredrick McKissack
Fredrick and Patricia McKissack wrote many books together. Here are some of their most well-known works. The books marked with a double asterisk (**) were written by both Fredrick and Patricia.
- The Civil Rights Movement in America from 1865 to the Present** (1987)
- A Long Hard Journey: The Story of the Pullman Porter** (1989) – This book won the Coretta Scott King Award for writers.
- Sojourner Truth: Ain't I a Woman?** (1992)
- Madam C.J. Walker, with Patricia McKissack (1993) – This book won the Carter G. Woodson Book Award.
- Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters** (1994) – This book also won the Coretta Scott King Award for writers.
- Rebels Against Slavery: American Slave Revolts** (1996)
- Young, Black, and Determined, with Patricia McKissack (1998)
- Black Hands, White Sails: The Story of African-American Whalers** (1999)
- Days Of Jubilee: The End of Slavery in the United States** (2002)
Besides the two books that won the Coretta Scott King Award, four other books written by Fredrick and Patricia were honored as Coretta Scott King Honor Books.
