Marked by Fire facts for kids

Marked by Fire is a powerful novel written by Joyce Carol Thomas. It was first published on January 1, 1982. This book was so special that it won a big award! Joyce Carol Thomas and another author, Paula Fox, both shared the 1983 National Book Award for Children's Books in the Fiction, Paperback category. This award celebrates some of the best books written for young people.

About Marked by Fire

This novel tells an important story about a young girl named Abyssinia Jackson. Everyone calls her "Abby." The story begins in Oklahoma, where Abby lives with her family. Her father's name is Strong, and her mother's name is Patience. These names hint at the strength and calm needed to face life's challenges.

The Story of Abby

Abby's life takes a dramatic turn when a terrible tornado hits her home. Tornados are powerful storms that can cause a lot of damage. After the tornado, a fire breaks out, destroying even more. This event changes Abby's life completely. The book explores how Abby and her family deal with this huge challenge. It shows their strength and how they work together to rebuild their lives. The story is about overcoming difficulties and finding hope even after a disaster.

About the Author

Joyce Carol Thomas is an American author known for her books for children and young adults. She often writes about the experiences of African Americans and uses rich language and imagery. Her stories often explore themes of family, community, and resilience. Marked by Fire is one of her most well-known works and shows her talent for telling meaningful stories.

Awards and Recognition

Marked by Fire received the prestigious National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 1983. This award is one of the most important literary prizes in the United States. It recognizes outstanding books written for young readers. Sharing the award with Paula Fox showed how highly regarded both authors' works were that year. Winning such an award helps more people discover and enjoy the book.