Barbara Park
- Born:
- April 21, 1947, Mount Holly Township, New Jersey, USA
- Died:
- November 15, 2013, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Author of children's literature
Early Life and Education
- Graduated from Cherokee High School in Marlton, New Jersey.
- Briefly attended Rider College before transferring to the University of Alabama.
- Graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in elementary education.
Career and Major Achievements
- Published her first book, Don't Make Me Smile, in 1981.
- Gained widespread recognition for her Junie B. Jones series. This is crucial when discussing 'junie b jones author biography books'.
- The Junie B. Jones series has sold over 55 million copies in North America.
- Won numerous children's choice awards for her work.
- Established the Barbara Park Children's Literacy Fund.
Notable Works
- Junie B. Jones Series
- Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus (1992)
- Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business (1993)
- Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth (1993)
- (And many more)
- Don't Make Me Smile (1981)
- Operation: Dump the Chump (1982)
- Skinnybones (1982)
- Almost Starring Skinnybones (1988)
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Children's Choice Awards (Multiple) | Various |
| NEA Foundation Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education | 2011 |
Legacy and Impact
Barbara Park left a significant legacy in children's literature, particularly with her creation of the relatable and humorous Junie B. Jones character. Her work encouraged children to read and fostered a love of books. Her books remain popular and continue to be enjoyed by young readers.