Scott O'Dell
- Born:
- May 23, 1898, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Died:
- October 15, 1989, Mount Helix, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Author, Novelist, Children's Literature Writer
Early Life and Education
- Born Odin Scott O'Dell.
- Attended Occidental College and the University of Rome.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his writing career as a cameraman and technical director for Paramount Pictures.
- Published his first adult novel, Woman of Spain: A Story of Old California, in 1934.
- Shifted focus to children's literature later in his career.
- Won the Newbery Medal in 1961 for Island of the Blue Dolphins.
- Received the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1972.
- Established the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction in 1982. This award recognizes distinguished works of historical fiction for children and young adults. Those interested in a comprehensive list of scott o'dell books for adults should also research his earlier works for a broader view of his literary contributions.
Notable Works
- Island of the Blue Dolphins (1960)
- The King's Fifth (1966)
- Sing Down the Moon (1970)
- The Black Pearl (1967)
Legacy and Impact
Scott O'Dell is remembered for his contributions to children's literature, particularly his historical fiction novels that often featured strong female characters and addressed themes of social justice and environmentalism. His work continues to be read and studied in schools, inspiring young readers and promoting understanding of different cultures and historical periods.