Mildred D. Taylor

Mildred D. Taylor is a prominent American author of children’s literature, who has made a significant impact on the industry with her powerful and moving stories. Born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1943, Taylor spent most of her childhood in Toledo, Ohio. However, her experiences in the Deep South had a profound impact on her writing, shaping her perspective and providing her with a wealth of material to draw upon. Taylor’s work often explores the struggles faced by African-American families in the Deep South, drawing upon stories that she heard while growing up. These anecdotes, many of which took place during times of slavery and post-slavery, became deeply ingrained in Taylor’s mind and provided the inspiration for many of her most famous works.

Taylor’s most famous book, “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,” was published in 1977 and went on to win the Newbery Medal. This book is the middle book in the Logans series, which includes other titles such as “The Land,” “Song of the Trees,” “Let the Circle Be Unbroken,” and “The Road to Memphis.” These books, like much of Taylor’s work, draw upon the stories and experiences of her family, bringing to life the struggles and hardships faced by African-American families in the Deep South. Taylor’s writing is deeply rooted in history, providing a powerful and moving account of life during times of great economic crisis and social upheaval.

Over the course of her career, Taylor has become one of the most prominent and celebrated voices in children’s literature. Her work has been widely recognized for its powerful and moving exploration of the African-American experience in the Deep South, and she has won numerous awards for her contributions to the field. In 2003, Taylor was awarded the inaugural NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s Literature, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the genre. Today, Taylor’s legacy lives on, and her work continues to inspire and captivate readers of all ages, providing a powerful and moving account of life in the Deep South during some of the most challenging times in American history.