Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux

As a child, Vaunda Micheaux Nelson was captivated by the stories her mother read at bedtime. She soaked in the poems her father recited.  Those early  experiences gave her a deep appreciation for the power of literature and language. Today, part of Nelson’s mission is to share that gift with others: “I hope to give children some of what my parents gave me —the opportunity to grow, to be made stronger, through story.”  

As an author, Nelson has achieved that and more. Her books, exploring sensitive topics like slavery, elderly memory loss and discrimination, are filled with hope and heart. Her work has received many honors — Always Gramma was named a Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies and Beyond Mayfield won a Parents’ Choice Gold Award. Her picture book, Almost to Freedom, won a Coretta Scott King Honor Award for illustration and was made into a play.

Episodes:
Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, Harry Bicket, Ladies of the Canyons
Children’s author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, veterans theater, and wedding gown maker Lora Van Lear