Valerie Bloom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Valerie Bloom
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| Born | c. 1956 (age 68–69) |
| Alma mater | University of Kent at Canterbury |
| Occupation | Poet, novelist |
Valerie Bloom is a talented poet and writer. She was born in Jamaica in 1956. Today, she lives in the UK. She is known for writing poems and stories. She also has a special award called an MBE.
Contents
About Valerie Bloom
Her Early Life
Valerie Bloom was born in a place called Clarendon Parish, Jamaica. In 1979, she moved to England. She went to the University of Kent at Canterbury. There, she earned a special degree. She also received an honorary master's degree. Today, she lives in Kent, England.
Her Amazing Books
Valerie Bloom has written many books of poems. Her newest poetry book is The River's A Singer. Her very first book was Touch Mi, Tell Mi, published in 1983. Other poetry books include Duppy Jamboree, Let Me Touch the Sky, The World Is Sweet, and Hot like Fire. She has also helped put together other collections of poems, like One River Many Creeks and A Twist in the Tale.
Valerie Bloom has also written songs. She wrote lyrics for a music group called Grand Union Orchestra. One of her songs, "Can't Chain Up Me Mind," was part of their show Freedom Calls in 1989. This show was even broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
She has written novels too. Her first novel was Surprising Joy in 2003. Her next novel, The Tribe, was published in 2007.
Writing in Different Languages
Valerie Bloom writes poetry in two languages. She writes in standard English. She also writes in Jamaican Patois. Jamaican Patois is a special language spoken in Jamaica. People sometimes say she is like Louise Bennett-Coverley, another famous Jamaican poet.
When Valerie performs her poems, she often teaches the audience about Jamaican Patois. She has performed all over the UK and in other countries. You might have seen her on TV or heard her on the radio. In 2005, she made a series of three radio shows for BBC Radio 4. These shows, called Island Voices, were all about Jamaican poetry.
Awards and Special Honours
Valerie Bloom received a special award in 2008. She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award is given to people in the UK for their achievements and service.
