James Haskins
| James Haskins | |
|---|---|
| Born |
September 19, 1941 Demopolis, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | July 6, 2005 (aged 63) |
| Occupation | nonfiction writer |
| Genre | Biography, Children's literature, Young adult literature |
| Notable works |
The Story of Stevie Wonder Lena Horne Count Your Way series |
James Haskins (September 19, 1941 – July 6, 2005) was a prolific and award-winning author with more than one hundred books for both adults and children. Many of his books highlight the achievements of African Americans and cover the history and culture of Africa and the African-American experience. His work also included many biographical subjects, ranging from Hank Aaron to Scatman Crothers and Malcolm X. Most of his writings were for young people. He wrote on a great variety of subjects that introduced young people to the language and cultures of other countries, especially Africa.
Haskins was born in Demopolis, Alabama, and spent his childhood in a household with lots of children. He received his high school education in Boston, Massachusetts. He received a B.A. degree from Georgetown University in 1960, a B.S. degree from Alabama State University in 1962, and a M.A. degree from the University of New Mexico in 1963.
After graduation, before he decided to become a teacher, Haskins moved to New York City and worked as a stock trader on Wall Street. He taught music and special education classes in Harlem. His first book, Diary of a Harlem Schoolteacher, was a result of his experience. He was a professor of English at the University of Florida, Gainesville, and lived in New York City.
Haskins died in 2005 of complications from emphysema.
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