Valerie Wilson Wesley facts for kids

Valerie Wilson Wesley (born November 22, 1947) is an American author who writes many different kinds of books. She is known for her exciting mystery novels, especially her "Tamara Hayle" series. She also writes books for kids and grown-ups. Before becoming a full-time author, she was a top editor at Essence magazine. Her stories and articles have appeared in many popular magazines and newspapers.

About Valerie Wilson Wesley

Valerie Wilson Wesley grew up in Ashford, Connecticut. She is an African-American writer. She went to Howard University for her first degree. Later, she earned two master's degrees. One was from the Bank Street College of Education. The other was from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Valerie used to live in East Orange, New Jersey. Now, she lives in Montclair, New Jersey. She lives there with her two daughters and her husband, Richard Wesley, who is a playwright.

Her Books and Stories

Valerie Wilson Wesley has written many books for different ages. She is famous for her "Tamara Hayle" mystery series. These books follow a private investigator named Tamara Hayle as she solves crimes.

Mystery Novels for Grown-Ups

Her mystery books are popular with adult readers. Some of the titles in the Tamara Hayle series include:

• When Death Comes Stealing (1994, ISBN: 0-399-13949-4)
• Devil's Gonna Get Him (1996, ISBN: 0-380-72492-8)
• Where Evil Sleeps (1996, ISBN: 0-399-14145-6)
• No Hiding Place (1997, ISBN: 0-399-14318-1)
• Easier to Kill (1998, ISBN: 0-399-14445-5)
• The Devil Riding (2000, ISBN: 0-399-14617-2)
• Dying in the Dark: A Tamara Hayle mystery (2004, ISBN: 0-345-46806-6)

She has also written other novels for adults, such as:

• Ain't Nobody's Business if I Do (1999, ISBN: 0-380-97703-6)
• Always True to You in My Fashion (2002, ISBN: 0-06-018883-9)
• Playing My Mother's Blues (2005, ISBN: 0-06-018882-0)

Books for Young Readers

Valerie Wilson Wesley also writes fun and educational books for children. These books often teach important lessons or share interesting stories. Some of her children's books include:

• Afro-Bets Book of Black Heroes from A to Z: An introduction to important Black achievers for young readers (1988, ISBN: 0-940975-02-5)
• Freedom's Gifts: A Juneteenth story (1997, ISBN: 0-689-80269-2)
• How to Lose Your Class Pet (2003, ISBN: 0-7868-1322-9)
• How to Fish for Trouble (2004, ISBN: 0-7868-1807-7)
• How to Lose Your Cookie Money (2004, ISBN: 0-7868-5146-5)
• 23 Ways to Mess up Valentine's Day (2005, ISBN: 0-7868-5524-X)
• How to (almost) Ruin Your School Play (2005, ISBN: 1-4155-7357-3)

Awards and Recognitions

Valerie Wilson Wesley has received several awards for her writing. These awards show how much her work is appreciated.

• 1993 – She won the Griot Award from the New York Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.
• 1995 – Her book When Death Comes Stealing was nominated for a Shamus Award. This award is for the best first private investigator novel.
• 2000 – She received the Excellence in Adult Fiction award from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association.