UM-Flint Alumni Achievement: Christopher Paul Curtis

http://www.umflint.edu/alumni/

Christopher Paul Curtis was born and raised in Flint. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at the University of Michigan-Flint to study political science. However, in 1972, the chance to earn a good income at the Fisher Body factory lured him away from school. To alleviate the monotony of the assembly line, Christopher began writing during breaks, lunch and any spare time he could find. He continued working at the plant until 1985.

While attending classes toward his Bachelor of Arts degree at UM-Flint, Christopher won Hopwood Awards for his essays and for the manuscript of what would eventually become his first published children's book "The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963." It received the two highest honors for children's literature: The Newberry Medal and the Coretta Scott King Honor.

For the 2009-10 academic year at UM-Flint, Christopher Paul Curtis was selected to be his alma maters annual Winegarden Visiting Professor.

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[brontozauru51]

he is the best! thanks for writing all those books!

[jcamponline]

He's a brilliant and gracious man. What a gift he shares with all of us! Thank you Dr. Curtis!