Charles Smith
, b. 1969
Charles R. Smith is an African American poet, artist, photographer, magazine and book cover photographer and children’s author. His works include My People, a picture book based on the poem by Langston Hughes, the photography book I Am the World and a photographic version of Rudyard Kipling’s If. He also created the superhero-comic inspired children’s poetry anthology of Greek gods, The Mighty 12: Superheroes of Greek Myth.
Smith grew up in California and attended the Brooks Institute of Photography. He now lives with his wife Gillian and three children in Poughkeepsie, New York. He has won the Coretta Scott King Award more than once for his books, as well as the Audie Award for Young Listeners. He has also won awards for creating good books for reluctant readers.
His works look at a range of themes: The Mighty 12 draws on his childhood interest in Greek myth, whilst Rimshots, Hoop Kings, Hoop Queens, Let's Play Basketball! and Let's Play Baseball! are inspired by his lifelong love of sports. 28 Days and Brick by Brick are about black history. He says about his variety of work: “I want to show students, particularly boys, that there are many ways to pursue their interests, no matter what they may be.”
He has also provided the Story and Libretto for a basketball opera, Bounce.
Sources:
Charles R. Smith Jr. at Ssimon and Schuster (accessed: August 2, 2022).
Charles R. Smith Jr. at Harper Collins (accessed: August 2, 2022).
Aalbc (accessed: August 2, 2022).
Bio prepared by Robin Diver, University of Birmingham, robin.diver@hotmail.com
Records in database:
