Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
- Born:
- January 4, 1933, Anderson, Indiana, USA
- Died:
- January 27, 2024, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Author
Early Life and Education
- Spent her childhood in Anderson, Indiana, and Joliet, Illinois.
- Started writing at a young age, submitting stories to magazines as a teenager.
- Attended Joliet Junior College.
- Graduated from American University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her professional writing career in the 1960s, focusing primarily on children's and young adult literature.
- Authored over 140 books, spanning various genres including realistic fiction, historical fiction, and mystery.
- Known for her relatable characters and exploration of common childhood and adolescent experiences.
- Received the Newbery Medal in 1992 for Shiloh, the first book in her popular Shiloh trilogy.
- Won the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery in 1987 for The Agony of Alice.
- Shiloh was adapted into a film trilogy.
Notable Works
- Shiloh Trilogy: Shiloh (1991), Shiloh Season (1996), Saving Shiloh (1997)
- Alice McKinley Series: A series of books following the life of Alice McKinley, beginning with The Agony of Alice (1985).
- Witch's Sister (1975)
- Bernie Magruder Series
- One of the most significant aspects of exploring a Phyllis Reynolds Naylor biography is recognizing the sheer volume and variety of her work aimed at young readers.
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Newbery Medal | 1992 | Shiloh |
| Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery | 1987 | The Agony of Alice |
Legacy and Impact
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is remembered for her contributions to children's literature, particularly for her realistic and empathetic portrayal of young people facing relatable challenges. Her books have been widely read in schools and libraries, and have helped to foster a love of reading in generations of young readers.