Hildegarde Swift facts for kids

Hildegarde H. Swift (born January 10, 1890 – died January 10, 1977) was a well-known author who wrote many books for children. One of her famous books, Little Blacknose: The Story of a Pioneer, received a special award called the Newbery Honor Medal. She is also very famous for her book The Railroad to Freedom. She won the prestigious Newbery Honor in 1933.

About Hildegarde H. Swift

Hildegarde Swift was born in Clinton, New York, on January 10, 1890. Her father, Author S. Hoyt, was a professor who taught English literature at Hamilton College.

Her Early Life and Education

Hildegarde had a unique way of learning when she was young. She had private teachers who taught her at home. She also went to special boarding schools in Europe. Later, she graduated from Auburn High School.

She then continued her studies at Smith College. After that, she went to the New York School of Social Work. While there, she worked with children. She said this experience gave her her "first real knowledge of children." This work helped her understand kids better.

Becoming a Children's Author

Hildegarde married Arthur L. Swift, who was a pastor from New York. Their son, Hewson H. Swift, was born on November 8, 1920.

In her later years, Hildegarde taught children's literature at the New School for Social Research. In 1929, she started writing books for children. She said that writing these books was the "most interesting" part of her life. Hildegarde Swift passed away on January 10, 1977. The New York Times newspaper published a special article about her life after she died.

Her Lasting Impact

Hildegarde Swift's book The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge has sold more than 400,000 copies. This book became very important in real life. The United States Coast Guard once planned to tear down the actual Little Red Lighthouse in New York.

However, fans of Swift's book used her story to help save the lighthouse. Because of their efforts, the lighthouse became a national landmark. This means it is now protected and will not be torn down. Even Eleanor Roosevelt, a famous First Lady, praised Swift. She admired how Swift encouraged young people to care for nature in her writings.

Books She Wrote

• The Railroad to Freedom
• The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge
• North star shining, a pictorial history of the American Negro
• Little Blacknose: The Story of a Pioneer
• From the Eagle's Wing: A Biography of John Muir