T is for...Mildred D. Taylor




 It's a rainy day here in Oregon, but we're moving on to the letter T for the A-Z Challenge.  Today is all about:  Mildred D. Taylor.






Mildred D. Taylor (1943-)
I first came across Mildred D. Taylor's work in middle school.  It was during this time that I became obsessed with the Civil War and Antebellum South (see my M post) and Taylor's work was recommended to me.  Born in Mississippi, Taylor focuses much of her work on exploring the struggles faced by African Americans in the Deep South from slavery through the Depression and contemporary issues.  She utilized stories heard during her youth to help formulate her writing, so there is a strong sense of history woven throughout her books.  Because of her collective contribution to children's literature, she was awarded the Neustadt Prize for Children's Literature in 2003.  Though she is technically considered a children's author, her work should be read regardless.

*Recommendation:  Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry...winner of the 1977 Newbery Medal.

**Honorable Mention:  Leo Tolstoy...specifically Anna Karenina

Who are some of your favorite T authors?

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