Margaret Larkin facts for kids

Margaret Larkin (born July 7, 1899 – died May 7, 1967) was an American writer, poet, and songwriter. She was also a researcher and worked to support workers' rights.

She wrote important books like The Hand of Mordechai, which was about a brave stand against an army in Israel. She also wrote Seven Shares in a Gold Mine, a mystery story set in Mexico. Her book Singing Cowboy collected many Western folk songs. Margaret Larkin won awards for her poem Goodbye—To My Mother and her play El Cristo.

Margaret Larkin's Life Story

Early Life and Education

Margaret Larkin was born on July 7, 1899, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Her family came from England and Scotland. She went to college at the University of Kansas. In 1922, she won a special award called the Poetry Prize from the Kansas Author Club. This was for her poem Goodbye—To My Mother.

Becoming a Writer and Activist

After college, Margaret moved to the East Coast of the United States. She married Liston Oak and became very active in helping workers. She supported trade unions, which are groups that protect workers' rights. In 1926, she even wrote the titles for a silent movie called The Passaic Textile Strike. This movie was about a big strike by textile workers.

In the 1930s, Margaret was known for her singing and songwriting. She created many folk songs, which are traditional songs that tell stories.

Family Life and Challenges

Later, Margaret and her first husband separated. In 1935, she met another writer named Albert Maltz. He was nine years younger than her. They got married in 1937.

Albert Maltz faced difficulties in his career. This was because of his beliefs during a tough time in American history. He was one of the "Hollywood Ten" who were not allowed to work in Hollywood.

In 1951, Margaret, Albert, and their two children, Peter and Katherine, moved to Mexico City. They lived there for many years. Margaret and Albert officially divorced in 1964. Albert then moved back to the United States.

Later Works and Legacy

Margaret Larkin helped a famous researcher, Oscar Lewis, with his book La vida: a Puerto Rican family in the culture of poverty--San Juan and New York. This book was published in 1966.

Her last book was The Hand of Mordechai. It told the story of a place called Yad Mordechai in Israel during a war in the late 1940s. The book was published in several languages, including Hebrew, Yiddish, and English. The Israeli army's publishing house even released the Hebrew version.

Margaret Larkin passed away in Mexico City on May 7, 1967, when she was 67 years old. Her granddaughter, Gabriela Maltz Larkin, is an actress today. She is also known as Mira Larkin.

Awards and Recognition

Margaret Larkin received several awards for her creative work:

• 1922 – She won the Best Poem award from the Kansas Authors' Club for her poem Goodbye—To My Mother.
• 1926 – She received the David Belasco Cup for her play El Cristo.
• 1926 – She also won the Samuel French Prize for her play El Cristo.