Marilyn Nelson
As a child
Marilyn grew up on military (air force) bases in the United States, as her father was a member of a B-52 crew. Her mother was a teacher. Marilyn was a reader, and started writing seriously as a child. Her sixth-grade teacher predicted that she would someday be “a famous poet for children”.
As an adult
Marilyn has been a publishing poet for many years, and has won many awards. She teaches American literature, African-American literature, and creative writing to university students.
As an artist
Marilyn’s book, Carver: A Life in Poems, was her first collection of poems to appear as a young adult book. Since then, she has written several other poetry books, which will be published for young adults.
Things you didn't know about Marilyn Nelson
- Marilyn originally wanted to be a doctor.
- She would like to know more about science.
- She can’t add.
- She hums a lot.
- Her children think she is weird.
- She has thousands of ways to waste time.
- She loves opera.
- She is not a good dancer.
- She enjoys playing Scrabble.
- She can’t tell jokes.