Quang Nhuong Huynh facts for kids

Quang Nhuong Huynh (born August 22, 1946 – died 2001) was an author from Vietnam who later became an American citizen. He wrote two famous books and won many awards for his book The Land I Lost. People remember Huynh as the first Vietnamese writer to create stories and factual books in English.

About Quang Nhuong Huynh

Early Life and Education

Quang Nhuong Huynh was born on August 22, 1941, in My Tho, Vietnam. His parents were Huynh Miu Van and Kiem Thi. He went to Saigon University to study Chemistry. He earned his degree in 1962.

Life During the Vietnam War

After the Vietnam War started, Huynh joined the South Vietnamese army. He became a first lieutenant. He also received two special medals for his service. During the war, Huynh was injured. He was shot and became unable to move parts of his body. Because of this, he traveled to the United States in 1963. He went there to get physical therapy and recover.

Moving to the United States

Huynh decided to stay in the United States. He continued his education there. In 1971, he earned a master's degree in Comparative Literature. He got this degree from Long Island University. Later, in 1973, he earned another master's degree. This one was in French from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri.

Beginning His Writing Career

Huynh's career as a writer began in 1982. This is when his first book, The Land I Lost, was published. This book became very popular. It won many awards and was translated into several different languages. In the early 1990s, Huynh also found success as a playwright. This means he wrote plays for the theater. In 1990, he received a special award. It was a Creative Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Later Works and Legacy

In 1997, Huynh published his second book. It was called Water Buffalo Days. Like his first book, this one was also about his life. It focused more on his childhood experiences. Quang Nhuong Huynh passed away four years later, in 2001. He is remembered as a pioneer. He was the first Vietnamese person to write both fiction and non-fiction books in English.

Awards and Special Recognition

Quang Nhuong Huynh's first book, The Land I Lost, received many important awards. These awards showed how much people loved his writing.

• ALA Notable Children's Book: This award is given to outstanding books for children.
• ALA Booklist Editors' Choice: This means editors at a major book review magazine chose his book as one of the best.
• Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies (NCSS/CBC): This award highlights books that teach about social studies.
• Library of Congress Children's Books: His book was recognized by the Library of Congress.
• William Allen White Children's Book Award (Kansas): This award is chosen by children in Kansas.
• Friends of American Writers Award: This award celebrates American authors.
• Blue Cobra Award: Another special recognition for his work.

In 1990, Huynh also received a Creative Writing Fellowship. This was from the National Endowment for the Arts. It is a special grant that helps writers continue their work.