Valerie Bloom facts for kids

Valerie Bloom is a talented Jamaican-born poet and novelist who now lives in the UK. She was born in 1956 and is known for her amazing writing. She has also received a special award called the MBE.

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 where she earned a special degree. Later, she received an honorary master's degree, which is a high academic honor. Today, she lives in Kent, England.

Her Creative Works

Valerie Bloom has written many books of poetry. Her most recent collection is called The River's A Singer. Her very first poetry book, Touch Mi, Tell Mi, came out in 1983. Other poetry collections include Duppy Jamboree (published in 1992), Let Me Touch the Sky, The World Is Sweet, and Hot like Fire. She has also helped put together other collections of poems, such as One River Many Creeks and A Twist in the Tale.

Valerie Bloom has also written words for a world jazz music group called Grand Union Orchestra. For example, she wrote lyrics for their song "Can't Chain Up Me Mind" in 1989. This song was part of a live show and album called Freedom Calls. The show featuring her lyrics was even played on BBC Radio 3 in January 1990.

Besides poetry, Valerie Bloom has written novels. Her first novel was Surprising Joy, published in 2003. Her next novel, The Tribe, was released in 2007 by Macmillan Children's Books.

Her Unique Style

Valerie Bloom writes poetry in both standard English and Jamaican Patois. Jamaican Patois is a special language spoken in Jamaica. Some people even say she is a successor to the famous Jamaican poet Louise Bennett. When she performs her poetry, she often gives a quick lesson in Patois for her audience members who might not know the language. She has performed all over the UK and in other countries. She has also appeared on many radio and TV shows. In 2005, she created a series of three radio programs for BBC Radio 4 called Island Voices, which focused on Jamaican poetry.

Awards and Recognition

Valerie Bloom was given the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in the 2008 New Year Honours. This award is a special recognition for her contributions to literature and the arts.