Marguerite de Angeli was born on March 14, 1889, and died on June 16, 1987 at the age of 98, after a long and distinguished career as a writer and illustrator of books for children. In her books, she explored the rich cultural diversity of our country. Ordinary people and families were her subject matter.
From African-Americans and racial prejudice
to Polish mine workers in Pennsylvania (in Up The Hill)
to the physically handicapped
to colonial Mennonites (in Skippack School)
to nineteenth-century Quakers supporting the underground railroad---all became unforgettable characters, in unforgettable settings, in her hands.
She conducted thorough research for all her work (in photo above she's sketching on-site), and her books give the reader an accurate and convincing portrayal of whatever culture she was depicting. The subject matters she dealt with (such as racial prejudice) were daring and controversial for her time. Times have changed, and today her work might seem overly sweet and gentle. But her storytelling is still powerful, her illustrations are still full of warmth and humanity, and her message of universal tolerance and equality is still necessary. She's worth reading!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marguerite_de_Angeli
http://www.deangeli.lapeer.org
I love that you feature other authors and illustrators here! Now I need to go look up some of Marguerite's books!
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