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Amina Luqman-Dawson

アミナ・ルクマン＝ドーソン

Amina Luqman-Dawson

Profile

Gender
Female
Nationality
United States
Languages
English
Residence History
Arlington, Virginia, U.S.

Career

Occupations
writer, children's author, journalist

Awards

John Newbery Medal
2023
Work: Freewater
Category: 児童文学
Organization: American Library Association
Result: 受賞
Coretta Scott King Book Award
2023
Work: Freewater
Category: Author（児童書）
Organization: American Library Association
Result: 受賞

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Freewater

2022 children's literature, historical fiction

A children's novel set in pre–Civil War America about children who escape into the swamp and discover a hidden community called Freewater where formerly enslaved people live in pursuit of freedom. Themes include community, memory, freedom, and resistance.

freedomcommunitymemoryresistance

Bibliography

  • Freewater
  • Images of America: African Americans of Petersburg

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Historically rooted narration with a clear, powerful voice suited to young readersRich scene-setting and detailed portrayals of community and nature
Recurring Motifs
water/swampcommunityjourney toward freedom

Legacy

She became the first Black woman to win both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Book Award for Freewater, recognized for contributing to diversity in children's literature and re-examination of historical narratives.

Trivia

  • Won the 2023 Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Book Award for Freewater.
  • Author of Images of America: African Americans of Petersburg.
  • Has published op-eds in The Washington Post and the San Francisco Chronicle.
  • Official website: https://www.aminaluqman-dawson.com/