Christopher Paul Curtis

Christopher Paul Curtis credits his writing career to his wife Kaysandra and to his job. His wife gave him faith, while the repetitiveness of his work at an assembly plant in Michigan gave him the discipline to write daily.

In 1996, Mr. Curtis received the Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Awards for his debut novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham.

His second novel, Bud, Not Buddy, was chosen - before its official publication - as a Junior Library Guild selection. It went on to win the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award.

The second of five children, Mr. Curtis was born and has spent most of his life in Flint, Michigan, where his two novels are set. For this talented author, Flint is a fascinating city that is rich in history and untold stories. In both of his books, readers learn how history affects ordinary people.

On his path to becoming a published writer, Mr. Curtis received his BA in political science from the University of Michigan while working in the Fisher Body Plant. His previous jobs include factory worker, campaign worker, maintenance man, customer service representative, warehouse clerk, and purchasing agent. In 2002, he served as a judge for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature.

His hobbies are playing basketball and collecting old record albums. Of course, writing is his passion. He believes learning to write is like learning a second language or playing a sport: the more you do it, the better you become.

Christopher Paul Curtis lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada with his wife, son, and daughter.

photo credit: Sandra Wavrick