Mabel Leigh Hunt facts for kids
Mabel Leigh Hunt (born November 1, 1892 – died September 3, 1971) was an American writer who created many wonderful children's books. She is known for her stories, especially those about Quaker life.
Contents
Her Early Life and School Days
Mabel Leigh Hunt was born in Coatesville, Indiana. Her parents were Quakers. She grew up in Greencastle. When she was ten, her family moved to Plainfield, which was a busy center for Quakers in Indiana. After her father, who was a doctor, passed away, Mabel and her mother moved to Indianapolis.
Mabel went to DePauw University in Greencastle from 1910 to 1912. Later, in 1923, she studied for a year at Western Reserve University Library School in Cleveland.
Becoming a Children's Author
In 1926, Mabel Leigh Hunt started working as a librarian at the Indianapolis Public Library. Her first book, Lucinda, A Little Girl of 1860, was published in 1934. It was a special moment for her. In 1938, she decided to leave her job as a librarian to focus on writing books full-time.
Famous Books and Special Awards
Mabel Leigh Hunt was recognized for her amazing writing. She was a runner-up for the famous Newbery Medal twice. The Newbery Medal is a very important award given to the author of the most outstanding American book for children.
She was a Newbery runner-up for:
- Have You Seen Tom Thumb? in 1943.
- Better Known as Johnny Appleseed in 1951.
Her book Better Known as Johnny Appleseed was also named one of the best Western books ever written by the New York Herald-Tribune newspaper.
Stories About Quaker Life
Many of Mabel Leigh Hunt's books were inspired by her own life and her family's experiences. For example, Lucinda, A Little Girl of 1860 was based on stories from her childhood and her mother's life.
She wrote many other books that explored Quaker themes and values. Some of these include The Double Birthday Present (1947), Cupola House (1961), and Beggar's Daughter (1963). She even wrote an article in 1959 about Quaker children for a magazine called You Are Called.
Mabel Leigh Hunt passed away on September 3, 1971.
Awards and Recognition
- Newbery Medal runner-up, Have You Seen Tom Thumb?, 1943
- Newbery Medal runner-up, Better Known as Johnny Appleseed, 1951
