Marilou Awiakta facts for kids

Marilou Awiakta is an American writer. She was born on January 24, 1936, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She is famous for her poems and essays. These writings often share her experiences growing up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

About Marilou Awiakta

Marilou Awiakta comes from a long line of people. Her family has lived in the Appalachian mountains for many generations. They have been in East Tennessee since the 1730s. She is the seventh generation of her family to grow up there.

She went to the University of Tennessee. In 1958, she earned a special degree. She studied both English and French.

Awards and Recognition

Marilou Awiakta has received several important awards for her writing. These awards show how much her work is valued.

• Distinguished Tennessee Writer Award: She received this award in 1989.
• Appalachian Heritage Writer's Award: Shepherd College gave her this award in 2000.

Books by Marilou Awiakta

Marilou Awiakta has written several books. These books include poetry, essays, and stories.

• Abiding Appalachia: Where Mountain and Atom Meet. This book was first published in 1978. It has been reprinted several times.
• Rising Fawn and the Fire Mystery: A Child's Christmas in Memphis, 1833. This book was published in 1983.
• Selu: Seeking the Corn-Mother's Wisdom. This book came out in 1993. It mixes stories, essays, and poems.