This pathfinder will be useful in finding information about Angela Johnson. Angela Johnson is an author who writes children’s picture books, poetry, short stories and young adult literature. Johnson states that one of the ideas that has occupied her as a writer is a child’s search for truth or, rather, the quest to uncover what she calls “the big lie” – the feeling that one’s parents might not be who they seem, or that the things a child has always accepted as reality might not be true. She goes on to say that “you can get a great story from the big lie.” Most of the stories that are written by Angela Johnson are stories that are true to life.
Key Resources at a glance:
Brodie, C. S.,. (2001). Angela johnson a conversation with an award winning author.school library media activities monthly, 17(10), 43-46. . (17 ed., Vol. (10), pp. 43-46
Corbett, S. (2004). "'Genius' label doesn't erase author Angela Johnson's shyness." Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service p. K4506.
Engberg, G. (2003). "The booklist interview: Angela Johnson." Booklist p. 1074. "The first part last. " Publishers Weekly p. 73.
Hallett, V. (1995). "When mr. mom is a teenager." U.S. News & World Report (January 26, 2004): p. 16. " Humming Whispers. " PublishersWeekly p. 71.
Unique Contributions:
Angela Johnson has an exceptional ability to create memorable, real characters that stay in readers’ minds long after the book cover has been closed. In most of her books Johnson addresses personal, everyday subjects: family relationships, the difficulties of growing up, seeking comfort from loved ones during times of struggle (p.2). In her story Toning the Sweep, she tells about a fourteen-year-old girl named Emmie, who goes with her mother to pick up her grandmother who is dying of cancer. While there she learns a great deal about herself, her family and her grandmother’s friends. This story was praised for realistic style and having the ability to allow readers to use their imaginations. In 1994 Toning the Sweep won the Coretta Scott King award for outstanding works for young people by an African American author.
Books:
A Cool Moonlight Price: 6.99 ISBN: 9780142402849 (paperback) Grade level: 3-6
"Once in a while a book of prose appears that reads as pure poetry. Such is the case with Johnson's newest novel. Fiercely quiet in its language, this powerful story touches the reader in unexpected ways. It is not the most unusual allergy afflicting the main character Lila that intrigues the audience, so much as it is how Lila uses her imagination to make peace with her condition. In a way that perhaps only the innocent are, Lila comes to a profound and complete acceptance of the situation over which she has no control. Young people and adults alike will be encouraged by the particulars of Lila's story, detailing the enormous harm with which sunlight threatens her. Especially important is how the adults around Lila allow her to grow and come to terms with the dangerous infirmity that would steal her childhood. Although many stories are about love, this one is about the most important love of all-love of self-and for young people, there can be no more important lesson. On the surface, Lila's story measures simple as a song, but straining beneath the unpretentious lyrics, a competing and memorable ensemble of what it means to shine with life reverberates. Courage, hope, and friendship are all found in this little gem of a novel. No library should be without it." VOYA
Daddy Calls Me Man Price: $6.95 ISBN 9780531071755 (paperback) Grade level: PreS-2 Illustrator: Rhonda Mitchell
"Joyously written and illustrated, these four poems reflect the concerns of children." School Library Journal
"Acclaimed author Angela Johnson and rising talent Luke LaMarca bring us a story about one balloon who defies the odds to reach his dreams.
Do Like Kyla Price: $6.99 OUT OF STOCK ISBN: 9780531070406 (paperback) Grade level: PreS-2 Illustrator: James E.Ransome
The First Part Last Price: $15.95 ISBN: 9780689849220 (hardcover) Price: $6.99 ISBN: 9780689849237 (paperback)
Grade level: 7-Up
Grade level: 7-Up
"In this companion novel, Johnson's fans learn just how Bobby, the single father for whom Marley baby-sits in Heaven, landed in that small town in Ohio. Beginning his story when his daughter, Feather, is just 11 days old, 16-year-old Bobby tells his story in chapters that alternate between the present and the bittersweet past that has brought him to the point of single parenthood....But as the past and present threads join in the final chapter, readers will only clamor for more about this memorable father-daughter duo-and an author who so skillfully relates the hope in the midst of pain." Publisher's Weekly
WINNER OF THE 2004 CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD (WRITING CATEGORY)
WINNER OF THE 2004 MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE
"Marley thinks her life in Heaven, Ohio, is perfect and secure. But when she learns that her itinerant uncle is really her father and her loving "parents" are her aunt and uncle, she has to come to terms with her feelings of anger, betrayal, and curiosity as to who she really is. Foreshadowing, humor, and well-defined characters work together to create a strong story about belonging and family." The Horn Book
Toning the Sweep NO LONGER AVAILABLE check your local library Grade level: 7-Up
Publishers Weekly, in a Starred review, praised this ``thoughtfully nuanced and penetrating'' novel about three generations of women from an African American family who must cope with a beloved grandmother's illness.
Awards:
Ms. Johnson has earned a number of awards including Best Books, School Library Journal, 1989, for Tell Me a Story, Mama; Coretta Scott King Honor Book, American Library Association Social Responsibilities Round Table, 1991, for When I Am Old with You; Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award, United States Board on Books for Young People, 1991; Editor's Choice, Booklist, Best Books, School Library Journal, and Coretta Scott King Author Award, 1994, all for Toning the Sweep; Coretta Scott King Author Award, 1998, for Heaven; Coretta Scott King Honor Book citation, 1998, for The Other Side: Shorter Poems; MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, 2003. The Coretta Scott King Author Award is an annual honor given by the ALA for outstanding works for young people by an African American author. The MacArthur Foundation is a private organization that, among other things, awards grants to exceptionally talented people in a variety of fields. In addition, in 2004, Johnson earned the Michael L. Printz Award which is given for excellence in young adult literature.
Websites:
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