Lucille Clifton (born DePew, New York, 1936; died Baltimore, Maryland, February 13, 2010) wrote poetry and children’s books. Her book Amifca received a Jane Addams Special Recognition Award in 1978. Everett Anderson’s Good-bye earned the 1984 Coretta Scott King Medal. Children could learn more at: Lucille Clifton.
Paul Laurence Dunbar
Paul Laurence Dunbar (born Dayton, Ohio, 1872; died Dayton, Ohio, February 9, 1906) was the son of former slaves. He wrote novels, but he is best remembered for his poetry. He published twelve books. Children can read his works at: Project Gutenberg.
James Lincoln Collier (born New York, New York, 1928) is an author. He wrote with his brother, Christopher Collier, My Brother Sam Is Dead.
Helen Keller with Anne Sullivan
Helen Adams Keller (born Tuscumbia, Alabama, 1880; died Westport, Connecticut, June 1, 1968) was a lecturer despite being deaf and blind. When she was nineteen months old, she became very sick and lost her sight and hearing. At age seven, she met Anne Sullivan. Anne taught her Braille; and she even learned how to speak. She graduated with honors from Radcliffe in 1904. She traveled and lectured for most of her adult life. The play The Miracle Worker was written in 1959. It became a movie in 1962. Children could learn more at: http://www.braillebug.org/hkfacts.asp.
Helen Sewell (born Mare Island, California, 1896; died New York, New York. February 24, 1957) illustrated at least 60 books for children. She received a 1955 Caldecott Honor Award for her illustrations in The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh. She early on illustrated some of the Little House on the Prairie series until Garth Williams replaced her in 1953. Children can learn more at: Helen Sewell.