American children’s book author, biographer and poet famous for her descriptive, rhythmic style and positive portrayal of the African-American experience.
She began writing poetry and songs in the 1950s while working at the Patent Office, finally succeeding in getting her work published after many years of writing and submitting poetry and stories. After joining the District of Columbia Black Writers Workshop in 1971, she began to write books for children. She has published more than 40 children’s books, including picture books, novels, poetry and biographies. She says that she seeks to “choose and order words that children will celebrate”.
Dismayed by the depiction of blacks and black communities in popular media, Greenfield has focused her work on realistic but positive portrayals of African-American communities, families and friendships.
Her awards include the Washington, DC Mayor’s Art Award in Literature (1983), a Recognition of Merit Award from the George G. Stone Center for Children’s Books in Claremont, California (1990), and the Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children, given by the National Council of Teachers of English.
Greenfield lived in Washington, D.C. from an early age and throughout her adult life. In 1950, she married World War II veteran Robert J. Greenfield, a long-time friend. The couple had a son, Steven (born 1951), and a daughter, Monica.[6] They later divorced. Greenfield loved music and played the piano. She died of a stroke at the age of 92 on 5 August 2021.
Link to Wikipedia biography