Mirjam Pressler facts for kids
Mirjam Pressler (born Mirjam Gunkel on June 18, 1940 – died January 16, 2019) was a famous German writer and translator. She wrote more than 30 books for children and teenagers. She also translated over 300 books into German from languages like Hebrew, English, Dutch, and Afrikaans.
One of her most well-known translations was a new version of Anne Frank's diary, The Diary of a Young Girl, in 1991. This helped keep the diary's story alive for new readers.
About Mirjam Pressler
Mirjam Pressler was born to a Jewish mother. She grew up in a foster home. She studied painting at Städelschule in Frankfurt. She also studied English and French literature at LMU Munich.
Before becoming a writer, Mirjam Pressler worked in a jeans shop for eight years. She was a single mother and raised three daughters. Later, she became a member of the PEN Centre Germany. This is a group of writers who support freedom of expression.
Awards and Recognition
Mirjam Pressler received many important awards for her writing and translations. These awards honored her great work in literature.
- Carl Zuckmayer Medal (2001)
- Corine Literature Prize (2009)
- Buber-Rosenzweig-Medal (2013)
- Leipzig Book Fair Prize (2015) for her translation of Amos Oz's book Judas.
- Commanders Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (2018). This is a very high award from Germany.
