Sharon Bell Mathis facts for kids
Sharon Bell Mathis (born 1937) is an American librarian and author. She writes books mainly for children and young adults.
Early Life and Education
Mathis was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She began writing when she was young. Her parents helped her love reading. Her mother, who was a poet, encouraged her to write. In 1958, Mathis earned a degree in Sociology from Morgan State College. Later, in 1975, she earned a master's degree in Library Science from the Catholic University of America.
Writing Career and Awards
Sharon Bell Mathis has written many books. These books are for children and young adults. She has received many important awards for her work.
Her book Ray Charles is a nonfiction story about the famous singer Ray Charles. This book won the Coretta Scott King Award. This award honors outstanding books by African American authors.
Another book, The Hundred Penny Box, received a Newbery Honor Award. It also won the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. The American Library Association named it a Notable Children's Book. This means it was recognized as a very good book for kids.
The magazine English Journal praised Mathis's writing. They said her books, like those by Toni Cade Bambara and Nikki Giovanni, celebrated Black culture. This was similar to the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. That was a time when Black artists and writers proudly shared their culture.
Her book Teacup Full of Roses was named a New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year. English Journal also described this book. They said it celebrated Black family life. It showed how children found 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)
