Sandra Belton
Biographical Information
Respected children's author Sandra Belton was born in Bluefield, WV, March 1, 1939. She grew up in Beckley; her father, Alphonso Belton, was a physician. She attended Howard University, studying English, sociology, and German. She completed a B.A. in 1960. She spent a year at the Boston Conservatory of Music, before earning an M.A. in elementary education from George Washington University (1967). In 1964, she found a job teaching at West Elementary School in Washington, D.C., where she would continue to teach until 1969.She left West Elementary in 1969 to become an associate editor for Scott Foresman & Co., a noted textbook publisher. She left Scott Foresman in 1972 for editing positions at Rand McNally and Encyclopedia Britannica, but returned to Scott Foresman in 1978 as an executive editor, a position she still holds.
Sandra Belton published her first book in 1973; a nonfiction work for adults called Sparks. Her first children's book, From Miss Ida's Porch, was published in 1993 and quickly gained recognition from educators and critics. From Miss Ida's Porch is the story of a neighborhood; the porch is where people come to gather. Adults reminisce and tell stories, and children learn about such African-Americans as Marian Anderson and Duke Ellington and their contributions to history. The book won the 1994 Young People's Literature Award from Friends of American Writers and was a finalist for the 1994 Children's Books of Distinction Award. She published a second children's book in 1994, May'naise Sandwiches and Sunshine Tea. Again the story focuses on the transfer of stories and heritage from the older to the younger generation. Big Mama, the family matriarch, shares with her young grandchild and experience that lead her to become the first member of her family to attend college.
Her popular Ernestine and Amanda series began with the 1996 publication of Ernestine & Amanda. The series follows the story of two African-America girls growing up in a 1950s middle class African American community. Ten years old in 1955 when the series begins, Ernestine and Amanda introduces the girls. The girls narrate alternating chapters, each giving her own perspectives on their somewhat adversarial relationship and the situations at hand. The next three books in the series-Ernestine & Amanda, Summer Camp Ready or Not (1997); Ernestine & Amanda: Members of the C.L.U.B. (1997); and Ernestine & Amanda: Mysteries on Monroe Street (1998)-show the girls maturing and facing new issues, including racism, friendship, overcoming your fears, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Belton published her most recent work, McKendree, in 2000. The story explores issues of self-esteem, prejudice, and first love through 14-year-old Tilara, a Boston girl spending the summer with her Aunt Cloelle in a small West Virginia town.
Sandra Belton is married to James Sydney Hammond, a music teacher and choir director. The couple has one son, Allen Douglass. They live in Chicago.
Critical Responses
Critics have warmly praised Sandra Belton's books for children, commenting on their rich characters and "evocative depiction of poignant historical moment" (Elizabeth Hanson; School Library Journal). Her first book for children, From Miss Ida's Porch, was a finalist for the Children's Books of Distinction award and received the Young People's Literature Award from Friends of American Writers. Publishers Weekly wrote that "Like the rapt children on the porch, readers will receive a memorable and personal introduction to the larger issue of racial segregation," and Lois Anderson of Horn Book said "an easy conversational style which is layered with rich, descriptive language, …successfully blends together fact and fiction, and in the process, creates a distinctive mood and memorable, believable characters."Critics have also praised her popular Ernestine and Amanda series, considering it a standout among series for older children. Belton has been praised for her engaging and very real characters and for her gifts as a storyteller. Booklist's Susan Dove Lempke comments that Belton "addresses the serious issues with a very light touch, giving the readers a taste of both substance and humor." Praising the series, Janice DelNegro, editor of The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, writes
With the Ernestine & Amanda series, Belton has finessed a notable achievement: not only has she succeeded in making sure African American children will see themselves in her lively, well-rounded characters; she has succeeded in making sure that non-African American children will see themselves too. Any friend of Ramona, Anastasia, Alice, and Betsy and Tacy will be a friend of Ernestine and Amanda. Guaranteed.
Works Published
- From Miss Ida's Porch
- May'naise Sandwiches and Sunshine Tea
- Ernestine and Amanda
- Ernestine and Amanda: Summer Camp, Ready Or Not!
- Ernestine and Amanda: Members of the C.L.U.B.
- Ernestine and Amanda: Mysteries on Monroe Street
- McKendree
Selected Bibliography
Anderson, Lois F. From Miss Ida's Porch (book review). The Horn Book Magazine, November-December 1993. 69(6), 743.Cart, Michael. McKendree (book review). Booklist, August 2000. 96(22), 2133.
LaTronica, Starr. Summer Camp! Ready or Not! School Library Journal, August 1997. 43(8), 154.
Lempke, Susan Dove. Mysteries on Monroe Street (book review). Booklist, July 1998. 94(21), 1881.
Lempke, Susan Dove. Members of the C.L.U.B. (book review). Booklist, November 15, 1997. 94(6), 557.
Williams, Barbara Osbourne. May'naise Sandwiches and Sunshine Tea (book review). School Library Journal, December 1994. 40(12), 71.
Author Website
Sandrabelton.com