Nikki Grimes

Nikki Grimes, an author, poet, and journalist, has garnered immense respect and recognition in the domain of children's and young adult literature. Her diverse career has seen her traverse the globe as a guest lecturer at international schools in Sweden, Tanzania, China, and Russia. She is a seasoned contributor to prominent magazines like "Today's Christian Woman" and "Essence", and currently continues her literary pursuits from her residence in Corona, California. Grimes holds a significant position on the board of directors for the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance, reflecting her commitment to fostering a love for literature among the younger generation.

Grimes's literary prowess is evident in her numerous accolades and awards. Her novel "Bronx Masquerade" won the Coretta Scott King Award in 2002, and she was conferred with the Children's Literature Legacy Award in 2017. Some of her other commendable achievements include the 2006 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children, the 2011 Horace Mann Upstanders Award for "Almost Zero: a Dyamonde Daniel Book", and the 2012 NAACP Image Award for "Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope". Her work "One Last Word" received multiple awards in 2018, including the Arnold Adoff Poetry Award for Middle Graders, the Claudia Lewis Poetry Award, and the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award.

Grimes's contributions to literature, especially African-American literature, have been significant in the 20th and 21st centuries. Her work, which primarily involves themes relevant to African-American culture and identity, has been appreciated by a wide audience, as evidenced by her book "Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope" becoming a New York Times Bestseller. In 2020, Grimes won the Arnold Adoff Poetry Award for Teens for "Ordinary Hazards", further cementing her status as a celebrated author and poet. Throughout her illustrious career, Grimes has been honored with multiple Coretta Scott King Author and Illustrator Awards and Honors.