Meindert DeJong facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Meindert De Jong
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| Born | March 4, 1906 Wierum, Friesland, Netherlands |
| Died | July 16, 1991 (aged 85) Michigan, US |
| Occupation | Writer |
| Nationality | American |
| Period | 1938 - 1986 |
| Genre | Children's literature |
Meindert De Jong (March 4, 1906 – July 16, 1991) was an American writer. He was born in the Netherlands. He became famous for writing many wonderful children's books. In 1962, he won a very important international award. This award was the Hans Christian Andersen Award. It recognized his great work as a children's author.
Contents
About Meindert De Jong's Life
Meindert De Jong was born in a small village. The village was called Wierum in Friesland, Netherlands. When he was eight years old, his family moved. They came to the United States in 1914.
His Education and Early Jobs
De Jong went to schools that followed the Dutch Calvinist faith. He also attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Later, he studied at the University of Chicago. However, he left college before he finished his degree.
During the Great Depression, he worked many different jobs. A local librarian suggested he try writing. This is how he started his career as an author.
Starting His Writing Career
His very first book was published in 1938. It was called The Big Goose and the Little White Duck. He wrote several more books after that.
During World War II, he joined the US Army Air Corps. He served his country in China. After the war, he continued to write.
Where He Lived
For some years, De Jong lived in Mexico. He then returned to Michigan for a while. Later, he settled in North Carolina. He spent his final years back in Michigan.
Many of De Jong's books were illustrated. A famous artist named Maurice Sendak drew pictures for six of his books.
Awards and Recognition
Meindert De Jong received many awards for his books. These awards showed how much people loved his stories.
Hans Christian Andersen Award
In 1962, De Jong won the international Hans Christian Andersen Award. This award is given every two years. It celebrates authors who make a lasting contribution to children's literature. He was the first American writer to win this special honor. It is the highest international award for creators of children's books.
Other Important Book Awards
De Jong's books also won many other awards in the United States.
- Shadrach and Hurry Home, Candy were both runners-up for the Newbery Medal in 1954. This means they were highly praised.
- The Wheel on the School won the U.S. Newbery Medal in 1955. It also won a German award in 1957. The book was added to the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award list in 1963.
- The House of Sixty Fathers won the Josette Frank Award in 1956. It was also a Newbery runner-up in 1957.
- Along Came a Dog was another Newbery runner-up in 1959.
- Journey from Peppermint Street won the first-ever National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 1969.
