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My work is about justice, equality, fairness, love, and peace.
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Evelyn Coleman Books - About Me
My Mission
- Evelyn Coleman is an acclaimed author known for her captivating storytelling and deep character development. With a passion for writing that spans over two decades, she has published numerous works that resonate with readers of all ages.
About Evelyn Coleman:
Coleman has written many award-winning children’s books. She is also an adult thriller writer and a past President of Mystery Writers of America, SE. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and International Thriller Writers, Inc.
Her Honors Include:
• An Edgar Nomination for Best Juvenile Mystery
• Distinctive Children’s Literature Award, Black & Latino National Teachers of English
• 38th Georgia Author of the Year, Children/Adult Literature
• 2002 King Baudouin/Belgium Cultural Exchange Fellow
• Atlanta’s Mayor’s Fellowship
• North Carolina Arts Council’s Fellowship
• AmiGals’ Award for Excellence in Literature
• DeKalb Public Library Trailblazer Award
Her Books & Film Awards:
• Bronze Award, Worldfest, Houston Film Festival
• Moonbeam Children’s Book Award
• Smithsonian Most Notable Book Honor
• Carter G. Woodson Honor Book
• Young Hoosier Award
• Parent’s Choice Honor Book
• Texas Blue Bonnet Lists
• Publisher’s Weekly Cuffie Award
• Notable Children’s Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies
• Stepping Stones Honor Book
• Children’s Crown Award
About Freedom Train
The train was guarded by Marines during its two year run.
Freedom Train
Evelyn Coleman paints a touching, often humorous picture of the 1940s South. Based on the real journey of the Freedom Train, which traveled to 322 cities in the US in 1947- 48, this is the inspirational story of a young boy's awakening to the injustices around him and to the idea that things could change.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY ABOUT FREEDOM TRAIN:
Children’s Literature Review: “This book was an unexpected pleasure and a strong work. Its detail is beautiful and, at times, painful. Its voice jumps out at you from the first page and does not lose its potency throughout the rest of the work. The reader genuinely likes and becomes involved with Clyde and his family. This is a must-read. Reviewer: Monserrat Urena
Kidreads.com: “FREEDOM TRAIN is a powerful historical fiction title that illustrates the evils of segregation and discrimination for a younger audience. Children will want to read and discuss this timely and important book with their parents and teachers.” Reviewer: Carole Turner
Publisher’s Weekly: “Coleman convincingly depicts Clyde's gradual awakening to the racism that surrounds him, as well as the prejudice his impoverished family faces.”
Kirkus Reviews: Clyde Thompson may be the shortest 12-year-old in seventh grade, but he learns to stand tall in this story about the Freedom Train's arrival in Atlanta in 1949. “A fine story of a moment in history when times were changing and the Freedom Train reminded Americans of their better selves.” (author's historical note) (Fiction. 8-12)
From Superintendent, Opelika, Alabama School District: “Ms. Coleman opened the hearts and minds of not only our students but our teachers and parents. Her spirit touched all of us.”