Virginia Hamilton
"The past moves me and with me, although I remove myself from it. It's
light often shines on this night traveler: and when it does, I scribble
it down. Whatever pleasure is in it I need pass on. That's happiness. That
is who I am." VH
About the author
q Virginia Hamilton grew up on a 10-acre truck farm near Yellow Springs,
Ohio, in the 1940’s. She was embraced by the loving sights, sounds,
and smells, and by a big extended family of cousins, aunts, and uncles.
q Hamilton’s grandfather had escaped from slavery, in Virginia, by
crossing the Ohio River to freedom. Her family passed along heritage,
culture, and pride by telling her stories about this time period.
Virginia was named after her grandfather’s home state.
q Hamilton received a full scholarship to Antioch College and after
three years transferred to Ohio State. She then went on to New York
and the New School for Social Research and fell in love with a young poet,
Arnold Adoff.
q She was married in 1960 and began to raise a family in New York.
Virginia and her husband had a son and a daughter. In 1967, Virginia
published her first book Zeely, and shortly thereafter, she and her family
moved back to Yellow Springs, Ohio.
q Unfortunately Virginia Hamilton passed away on Tuesday, February
19, 2002.
A Little About Virginia Hamilton’s Culture
Things Mother’s Say
1. A whistling girl and a crowing hen will always come to some bad
end.
2. Too skinny girl – She has to stand twice to make a shadow.
3. God doesn't love ugly.
4. Here comes falling weather!
5. Don't you abuse my word.
6. Don't care won't have a home.
After telling a tale: be it bowed, bended, my story's ended!
Favorite tongue twister, and riddle, said as fast as you can:
Peter Piper picked a pail of pickled Peppers. How many peppers did
Peter Piper pick? Well, what's the answer?
Favorite song for rocking babies:
Rockabye baby-bye, sleep little tot..
I'll rest you in the elm shade
When the day gets too hot.
Selection of Awards:
Selection of Awards:
• 1992 Hans Christian Andersen Medal
• Newbery Medal for M. C. Higgins, the Great, 1975
• Newbery Honor Awards for The Planet of Junior Brown (1971), Sweet
Whispers, Brother Rush (1983), and In the Beginning: Creation Stories From
Around the World (1989)
• Coretta Scott King Award for The People Could Fly: American Black
Folktales (1986) and Anthony Burns: The Defeat and Triumph of a Fugitive
Slave(1989)
• 1995 Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal
Books "I write
for children (and their older allies) because I have such clear memories
about being a kid."
The Girl Who Spun Gold
Arilla Sun Down
Bluish: A Novel
The Bells of Christmas
Second Cousins
Cousins
A Ring of Tricksters
The Dark Way
When Birds Could Talk and Bats Could Sing
The People Could Fly
Her stories
Drylongso
A Little Love
Jaguarundi
A White Romance
Junius Over Far
The All Jahdu Story Book
The Justice Trilogy
Anthony Burns
W.E.B. Du Bois
In the Beginning: Creation Stories From Around the World
Zeely
Virginia Hamilton Absolutely Loved Frogs and Frogs Jokes! Here
are a few that I thought were cute!
http://www.virginiahamilton.com/pages/frogjokes.html
Frog Jokes
It's summer time. What shoes does a frog wear?
Answer: Open toad!
Q: Why are frogs so happy?
A: They eat whatever bugs them!
Q: How does a frog feel when he has a broken leg?
A: Unhoppy.
Q: What's green green green green green?
A: A frog rolling down a hill
Q: What did the frog order at McDonald's?
A: French flies and a diet Croak
Q: What do stylish frogs wear?
A: Jumpsuits!
I've had correspondence with student, Gregory Vitello, who is a big
fan. He also has frog jokes. I emailed him to tell him I mislaid the jokes
and to send them to me again. He's been waiting for sometime for me to
put them on my web site; so here's his letter with the jokes:
Dear Virginia Hamilton,
I got your letter and will tell you them again: What is green and red
and makes noises? Answer: A frog in a blender. (oh boy! VH)
What does a frog order for dinner? Answer: A sandwich with flies. (cute!
VH)
Just to let you know that I have learned a lot about you. On Thursday,
February 13, 1997, I have my Author Tea. I get to tell parents how wonderful
you and your books are. I can't wait. I want to continue to read your books
and am still wondering what the mystery books is . . .
Your friend,
Gregory Vitello
Hello Virginia,
My name is Marisa. My age is nine. I am a fan of your books. I checked
out Her Stories from my school library. I already read some stories. I
am a 4th grader at Clearcreek Elementary in Springboro, Ohio. I am assigned
in school to do a report on..........YOU! I like to read and create short
stories. My stories are humorous. I hope to be a famous children's author
some day like you. I'd like a few tips on how to catch a reader's eye.
I loved your web site. I love frogs, too. Here is a joke I made up:
Q. What is a frog's favorite song?
A. Jeepers Leapers!!!!!
Hey! Maybe I'll make up a story about frogs and send it to you! How
does that sound?
Best Regards,
Marisa