Children’s author Eloise Greenfield, whose books were widely praised for their portrayal of the African American experience, has died at 92, the nonprofit group Teaching for Change announced.
Greenfield, a North Carolina native, made her literary debut in 1972 with Bubbles, which was later reissued under the title Good News. Dozens of other books would follow, including Sister, Night on Neighborhood Street, William and the Good Old Days, and Thinker: My Puppy Poet and Me.
Her most recent book, Alaina and the Great Play, was published in May. In a starred review, a critic for Kirkus called the book “a delightfully illustrated, one-of-a-kind Greenfield creation that will have readers wishing for another.”
In 2018, Greenfield was the recipient of the Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. She had previously won a Coretta Scott King Award in 1978 for her book Africa Dream.
On social media, Greenfield was remembered by her admirers. Author and illustrator Don Tate tweeted, “This year we’ve lost so many children's literature giants. Now, sad to hear about the passing of Eloise Greenfield. She was a trailblazer, one of the most important authors of our time.”
This year we've lost so many children's literature giants. Now, sad to hear about the passing of Eloise Greenfield. She was a trailblazer, one of the most important authors of our time. https://t.co/stbw9o2VkR pic.twitter.com/Yws2xUy2rR
— Don Tate (@Devas_T) August 6, 2021
And author Marita Golden wrote, “So sad to hear of the passing of Children’s book writer Eloise Greenfield. She was a woman and writer of grace and was committed to teaching our children that Black Love is real. She was a friend and example.”
Michael Schaub is a Texas-based journalist and regular contributor to NPR.