Mary Q. Steele facts for kids

Mary Quintard Govan Steele (born May 8, 1922 – died July 6, 1992) was a famous American writer. She also loved nature. Mary wrote more than twenty books. Most of them were for children. One of her books, Journey Outside, was even a Newbery Honor Book! This means it was a very special book. Sometimes, Mary used different names for her books, like Wilson Gage and J. N. Darby.

About Mary Steele

Her Early Life

Mary Quintard Govan Steele was born on May 8, 1922. Her hometown was Chattanooga, Tennessee. Her parents were Gilbert and Christine N. Govan. Mary went to college at the University of Chattanooga. She learned a lot there.

Her Writing Career

Mary Steele's first book came out in 1958. It was called The Secret of the Indian Mound. She wrote many books after that. Most of her books were for young readers.

Mary also wrote one book for adults. It was named The Living Year. In this book, she shared how she felt about writing. She said she was "born" a writer. She felt like writing was a natural part of her. She would wake up and think about stories. She would imagine characters and scenes.

Her Family Life

Mary Steele was married to another writer. His name was William O. Steele. They shared a love for books.

When She Died

Mary Quintard Govan Steele passed away on July 6, 1992. She died in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Mary Steele's Books

Here are some of the books Mary Steele wrote:

• The Secret of the Indian Mound (1958)
• The Secret of Crossbone Hill (1959) – She wrote this as Wilson Gage.
• Miss Osborne-the-Mop (1963) – Also written as Wilson Gage.
• Cully Cully and the Bear (1983) – Written as Wilson Gage. James Stevenson drew the pictures.
• Anna's Summer Songs (1988) – This was a book of poems. Lena Anderson made the illustrations.
• The Living Year