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Mabel Louise Robinson

メーベル・ルイーズ・ロビンソン

Mabel Louise Robinson

Profile

Gender
Female
Born
1874-07-19 （Waltham, Massachusetts, USA）
Died
1962-02-21 age 87
Nationality
United States
Languages
English
Residence History
Waltham, Massachusetts → Wellesley, Massachusetts → New York City (Columbia University) → Istanbul (Constantinople College) → Maine (setting for several works)

Career

Occupations
children's author, educator, teacher, novelist
Active Years
1900-1956
Affiliations
Wellesley College, Columbia University, Constantinople College, Carnegie Foundation (research)
Influenced
Walter Farley, Ann Petry

Education

Radcliffe College
Period: 1904-1906
Country: United States
Attended; graduation not clearly stated in sources
Columbia University
Graduate studies (literature)
Degree: Master of Arts
Period: 1906-1907
Year of Graduation: 1907
Country: United States
Master's degree completed
Columbia University
Graduate studies (literature/creative writing)
Degree: Ph.D.
Period: 1908-1915
Year of Graduation: 1915
Country: United States
Doctorate completed

Awards

Newbery Honor (runner-up)
1938
Work: Bright Island
Category: 児童文学
Organization: American Library Association
Result: Newbery Honor (runner-up)
Newbery Honor (runner-up)
1940
Work: Runner of the Mountain Tops: The Life of Louis Agassiz
Category: 児童伝記
Organization: American Library Association
Result: Newbery Honor (runner-up)

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Bright Island

1937 Children's literature / Young adult

A coming-of-age story set on the coast of Maine, focusing on a girl's growth, realistic problems, and personal independence.

coming-of-agehome and returnnature (coast/sea)

Runner of the Mountain Tops: The Life of Louis Agassiz

1939 Children's biography

A children's biography of naturalist Louis Agassiz, presenting his life and spirit of inquiry.

science and inquirybiographynatural history

Dr. Tom O'Shanter

1921 Children's literature (dog story)

One of her dog-centered children's stories, notable for animal depiction and human relationships.

dogs and human relationshipsloyaltygrowth

Bibliography

  • Dr. Tom O’Shanter (1921)
  • Little Lucia (1922)
  • Juvenile Story Writing (1922)
  • Little Lucia and Her Puppy (1923)
  • Little Lucia’s Island Camp (1924)
  • Little Lucia’s School (1926)
  • Creative Writing: The Story Form (with Helen Rose Hull, 1932)
  • Bright Island (1937)
  • Runner of the Mountain Tops: The Life of Louis Agassiz (1939)
  • Bitter Forfeit (1947)
  • Writing for Young People (1950)
  • Skipper Riley, the Terrier Sea Dog (1955)
  • Riley Goes to Obedience School (1956)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
realistic, character-focused styleclear and earnest narration aimed at young readers
Recurring Motifs
coastal Maine settingsdogs and animal portrayalsgirls' independence and coming-of-age

Legacy

Robinson is known both for her children's books and for her long career teaching creative writing. Her Columbia workshops produced many successful authors, and several of her books have been used in school curricula. She was a Newbery Honor runner-up multiple times and remains influential in children's literature.

Archives

  • Columbia University Rare Book & Manuscript Library (Mabel Louise Robinson papers)

In Popular Culture

  • Use of her books in school reading lists and curricula

Quotes

  • Her primary goal in life was to write books for young women, showcasing the protagonists' worth, intelligence, and sensitivity.
    Source: Summarized in Ann M. Cameron, Guide to Literary Masters & Their Works

Trivia

  • Taught creative writing at Columbia University (1919–1945), mentoring many writers.
  • Wrote numerous children's books featuring dogs.
  • Bright Island and Runner of the Mountain Tops were named Newbery Honor (runner-up) books.