Jessica Nelson North facts for kids

Jessica Nelson North (born September 7, 1891 – died June 3, 1988) was an American writer, poet, and editor. She is known for her novels, poetry, and children's books. She was also the older sister of famous children's author Sterling North, who wrote Rascal.

Early Life and Family

Jessica Nelson North was born in Madison, Wisconsin. She grew up near Lake Koshkonong in Edgerton, Wisconsin. Her brother was Sterling North, who wrote many children's books.

Jessica is a main character in Sterling's famous book, Rascal. The story takes place when she was 25 years old. Their family home in Edgerton has been restored. It is now a museum that looks like it did in 1917. Sterling North wrote that Jessica took great care of him after their mother died. She even put off her own career and marriage to help.

Jessica's grandparents were early settlers in Wisconsin. Her uncles wrote stories about their parents' farm life. These stories might have inspired Jessica and Sterling to become writers.

Jessica was the aunt of author Arielle North Olson. Arielle is Sterling's daughter. Jessica was also the niece of Justus Henry Nelson, an early missionary.

Education and Marriage

Jessica Nelson North studied at Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin. She then went to graduate school at the University of Chicago.

She married Reed Inness MacDonald on June 11, 1921. They were married in Edgerton, Wisconsin. Jessica and Reed had two children together.

Writing Career

While in college, Jessica was the president of the University of Chicago Poetry Club. She also worked as an editor for some publications.

Jessica published her first novel, Arden Acres, in 1935. This book is a family story set during the Great Depression. It tells the story from the point of view of the oldest daughter. She also wrote other books like Miss Missouri and The Long Leash.

One of her most loved works is a poem about a child's tea party. It starts like this:

I had a little tea party

this afternoon at three.
Twas very small,
three guests in all,
I, Myself, and Me!

In the 1930s and 1940s, North was an editor at Poetry magazine. This was a very important poetry magazine. In 1967, she published The Giant's Shoe. This was an illustrated book for children. Her writing has also been included in school textbooks.

Jessica Nelson North passed away on June 3, 1988, in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Awards

• The Long Leash was chosen as one of the best books of the year by the Poetry Club.
• Arden Acres won the Friends of American Writers first novel award.