The NCBLA Board of Directors

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Frederick and
Patricia McKissack

Frederick and Patricia McKissack, as a team, have written over fifty books for young readers, including picture books, beginning readers, information books, and biographies. Their book, A Long Hard Journey: The Story of the Pullman Porter, was awarded both the Coretta Scott King Award and the Jane Addams Peace Award. Patricia McKissack’s picture book, Mirandy and Brother Wind, was awarded a Caldecott Honor Medal. Patricia and Fred McKissack feel strongly that all young people need good literature by and about African Americans and have stated a dual goal of improving the self-image of African-American children and of encouraging an open attitude in all children toward cultures different from their own.