Jacqueline Woodson (born February 12, 1963) is an American writer of novels and picture books for children and young adults. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Newbery Honor, the Coretta Scott King Award, and the National Book Award.
Woodson was born in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in Greenville, South Carolina. She attended the University of South Carolina where she studied English and creative writing. After graduating in 1985, she moved to New York City and worked in publishing. She wrote her first book, The House You Pass on the Way, in 1994.
Woodson is best known for her award-winning young adult novels, including Miracle’s Boys, Feathers, and Brown Girl Dreaming. Her work often deals with themes of race, identity, family, and friendship. She has also written extensively for adults, including her memoir, Brown Girl Dreaming.
Woodson has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Newbery Honor, the Coretta Scott King Award, and the National Book Award. In 2015, she was named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.
In addition to her writing, Woodson is an advocate for literacy and education. She serves on the boards of the National Book Foundation, the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses, and the Brown University Literary Arts Program. She is also the founder of the “We Need Diverse Books” campaign, which advocates for greater diversity in literature.
Woodson is an inspiring figure in the literary world, and her work continues to touch the hearts of readers around the world. Through her writing, she hopes to encourage young people to explore their own identity and to appreciate the diversity of the world around them.
