Sharon Bell Mathis facts for kids
Sharon Bell Mathis (born in 1937) is an American writer and librarian. She is famous for writing many books for children and young adults.
Growing Up and Learning
Sharon Bell Mathis was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She loved reading and writing from a young age. Her parents helped her develop this love. Her mother, who was a poet, especially encouraged her to write.
Sharon went to Morgan State College. In 1958, she earned a degree in Sociology there. Later, in 1975, she earned a master's degree in Library Science. She got this degree from the Catholic University of America.
Her Writing Career and Awards
Sharon Bell Mathis has written many popular books. She has also won several important awards for her work.
Her book Ray Charles is a true story about the musician Ray Charles. This book won the Coretta Scott King Award. This award celebrates excellent books by African American authors and illustrators.
Another famous book by Mathis is The Hundred Penny Box. This book won a Newbery Honor Award. It also received the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. The American Library Association called it a "Notable Children's Book."
The magazine English Journal praised Mathis's writing. They said her books, like those by Toni Cade Bambara and Nikki Giovanni, show a strong sense of pride. This pride is similar to the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance.
Her book Teacup Full of Roses was named a New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year. English Journal described it as a story that celebrates Black family life. It shows children finding strength by supporting each other.
Published Books
- Brooklyn Story (1970)
- Sidewalk Story (1971)
- Teacup Full of Roses (1972)
- Ray Charles (1973)
- Listen for the Fig Tree (1974)
- The Hundred Penny Box (1975)
- Cartwheels (1977)
- Red Dog, Blue Fly: Football Poems (1991)
- Running Girl: The Diary of Ebonee Rose (1997)
