Kaitlyn Greenidge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kaitlyn Greenidge
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Greenidge at Cambridge Friends School in 2019
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| Born | 43–44 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Occupation | Writer |
| Language | English |
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| Genre | Literary fiction |
| Subject | Culture, society, reviews |
| Notable works | We Love You, Charlie Freeman |
| Notable awards | Whiting Award for Fiction (2017) |
| Children | 1 |
Kaitlyn Greenidge is an American writer. She is known for her interesting stories. In 2017, she won a Whiting Award for Fiction. This was for her first novel, We Love You, Charlie Freeman. Her second book, Libertie, came out in 2021. It is a historical novel.
Contents
Early Life and School
Greenidge was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She grew up in nearby towns like Somerville and Arlington. Her mother was a social worker. Kaitlyn lived with her mother and two sisters after her parents divorced when she was seven. Kaitlyn and her sisters were some of the few students of color in their school area.
Working While Studying
While attending college in New York City, Kaitlyn Greenidge worked several jobs. She worked in a school cafeteria. She also worked at a daycare center for babies. Another job was at the visitors center on Ellis Island. At this time, she was living in Washington Heights, Manhattan.
Adventures in Alaska
Kaitlyn took some time off from school. She and her best friend from high school moved to Juneau, Alaska. They lived there for about six months. She found a job working for Gavel to Gavel. This was an Alaska legislative program. It was similar to national government programs you might see on TV. She met a man who worked for KTOO-TV while traveling on a ferry to Juneau. He helped her find the job.
College Degrees
Kaitlyn Greenidge earned her first degree, a bachelor's degree, from Wesleyan University. This university is in Middletown, Connecticut. Later, she received her MFA degree from Hunter College. Hunter College is located in Manhattan.
Writing Career
Kaitlyn Greenidge has written many non-fiction articles. These articles have appeared in popular magazines and newspapers. Some of these include Elle, Vogue, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. In September 2020, she became the features director for Harper's Bazaar magazine.
Her Books
Greenidge's first novel, We Love You, Charlie Freeman, was published in 2016. The story is about an African American family, the Freemans. They adopt a chimpanzee and raise it as part of their family. This is for a special research project. Critics really liked the book. A review in Paste called it "masterful." Kirkus Reviews described it as a "vivid and poignant coming-of-age story." She won a Whiting Award for this book in 2017.
In 2018–2019, she received a special fellowship from the Radcliffe Institute. During this time, she worked on a new novel. This book was partly based on the life of Susan McKinney Steward. Susan McKinney Steward was the first Black female doctor in New York.
Her second novel, Libertie, was released in March 2021. It was published by Algonquin Books. Publishers Weekly gave the book a top review. They called it "another genius work of radical historical fiction." Kirkus Reviews also gave it a good review. They said Greenidge explores issues that are still important today. They also said she invites readers into interesting historical moments.
Personal Life
Kaitlyn Greenidge lives in central Massachusetts. She has a daughter who was born in 2019.
Awards and Honors
- 2017 - Whiting Award for Fiction (for We Love You, Charlie Freeman)
- 2021 - Guggenheim Fellowship for Fiction
Her Published Works
Books
- We Love You, Charlie Freeman (2016), Algonquin, ISBN: 9781616204679
- Libertie (2021), Algonquin, ISBN: 9781616207014
Articles
- What Walmart Doesn't Get About Juneteenth (2021); The New York Times – Opinion Guest Essay
