Author Spotlight: Patricia C. McKissack

It is a great honor to spotlight the prolific and pioneering author, Patricia C. McKissack. This spotlight is tinged with a bit of sadness. On Friday, April 7th, McKissack passed away due to cardio-respiratory arrest. She is renowned in the world of children’s literature for books she published on her own and as part of a writing team with her husband, Fredrick L. McKissack, Sr., who died four years ago. Their fiction and nonfiction children’s books told the stories of African and African American people—our history, culture, traditions, folktales, and myths. Nearly twenty years ago, in Black Books Galore!, they discussed writing much-needed stories by and about Black people. It is, unfortunately, a topic that is still being deliberated:

“In the past there was a dearth of books for, by, and about African Americans. We have tried for twenty years to fill the void—and with some measure of success. But we can’t rest on our laurels or claim a victory, because there is still too much work to be done. We hope our books encourage young children to read, but we also hope our effort will inspire young children to write. The work must go on!”

McKissack, a native of Smyrna, Tennessee, was a middle-school teacher and editor before embarking on a writing career. Both of her former professions gave her tremendous insight into writing and publishing for children. Although McKissack penned many solo books, she wrote most of her titles—over one-hundred—with her husband. Both her solo and collaborative projects won numerous awards and honors, some include The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural, Black Hands, White Sails, Sojourner Truth: Ain’t I a Woman?, and Black Diamond: The Story of the Negro Baseball Leagues.

Many would be surprised to learn that McKissack, who described herself as “an original Trekkie” has also written a science fiction series, The Clone Codes. Her last book, Let’s Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin, & Turn It Out!: Games, Songs, and Stories from an African American Childhood, was published in January. She left a magnificent legacy of stories for enjoyment, learning, teaching, and inspiration. Listed below are some of her works. Go here and here in our directory for more titles. Also, watch her 2011 National Book Festival presentation. Our Stories Matter.