Mildred Pitts Walter facts for kids

Mildred Pitts Walter (born September 9, 1922) is an American author who writes amazing books for young readers. She is famous for her stories that feature African-American characters. Mildred has written more than 20 books, including both fiction (made-up stories) and nonfiction (true stories). Many of her books have won or been honored by the Coretta Scott King Award, which celebrates outstanding books by Black authors and illustrators. Mildred was born in Louisiana and later moved to Denver, Colorado. In 1996, she was recognized for her achievements and added to the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame. In 2019, she shared her life story in her autobiography, Something Inside So Strong.

About Mildred Pitts Walter

Mildred Pitts was born on September 9, 1922. She was the youngest of seven children. Her father, Paul Pitts, worked as a log cutter, and her mother, Mary Pitts, was a beautician and midwife. Mildred grew up in small communities in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana, where people of different races were kept separate.

Mildred went to Southern University at New Orleans and earned a degree in English. To pay for her studies, she worked in factories that made things for the military during World War II. After graduating in 1944, Mildred moved to Los Angeles. There, she worked as a school clerk and also completed her teaching qualifications for elementary school.

In Los Angeles, she met Earl Walter. They got married in 1947 and had two sons. Both Mildred and Earl were very active in the civil rights movement. They were part of a group called the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), which worked to end unfair treatment based on race. Earl even became a national leader for the group. Sadly, Earl passed away in 1965.

In 1970, Mildred moved to Denver, Colorado. She continued her education and earned a master's degree in education. Mildred worked as a consultant and also taught at Metro State College. She celebrated her 100th birthday in 2022!

Mildred Walter's Books

Mildred Pitts Walter started writing because she noticed there weren't many books for young readers about Black children, especially ones written by Black authors. She wanted to change that.

Her first book, Lillie of Watts, came out in 1969. It was about a girl growing up in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. She later wrote a sequel, Lillie of Watts Takes a Giant Step (1971). Some of her other popular fiction books include Ty's One-Man Band (1980), Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World (1986), and Mariah Loves Rock (1988).

Mildred also wrote nonfiction books, which tell true stories. One important nonfiction book is Mississippi Challenge (1992). This book tells the history of African Americans in Mississippi. It covers everything from slavery and the Civil War to the efforts of civil rights activists to change unfair voting laws in the state. Critics said it was a "compelling account" that showed the true cost of democracy.

In 2011, Mildred wrote a historical fiction novel called The Second Daughter: The Story of a Slave Girl. This book is based on the true story of Mum Bett, a woman who was enslaved but successfully sued for her freedom. Her books are still very important today because they help us understand different points of view and experiences.

In 2019, Mildred Pitts Walter published her autobiography, Something Inside So Strong: Life in Pursuit of Choice, Courage, and Change. In this book, she shares her own life story.

Awards and Special Recognition

Mildred Pitts Walter has received many honors for her important work. In 1996, she was added to the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame. Her books have also won these special awards:

• Coretta Scott King Award Winner: Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World (1986)
• Coretta Scott King Award Honors: Because We Are (1983); Trouble's Child (1985); Mississippi Challenge (1992)
• Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honors: Second Daughter: The Story of a Slave Girl (1996)

List of Books

Fiction for Young Readers

• Ty's One-Man Band (1980) ISBN: 9780590075800
• My Mama Needs Me (1983) ISBN: 9780688016708
• Because We Are (1983) ISBN: 9780688022877
• Brother to the Wind (1985) ISBN: 9780688038113
• Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World (1986) ISBN: 9780688066451
• Second Daughter: The Story of a Slave Girl (1996) ISBN: 9780590482820

Nonfiction for Young Readers

• Mississippi Challenge (1992) ISBN: 9780027923018
• Kwanzaa: A Family Affair (1995) ISBN: 9780688115531

Autobiography

• Something Inside So Strong: Life in Pursuit of Choice, Courage, and Change (2019) ISBN: 9781496825834