Jean Craighead George

Date of Birth: July 2, 1919

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: May 15, 2012

Biography

Jean Craighead George was an acclaimed American author best known for her works in children’s literature and young adult fiction. Born into a family with a deep appreciation for nature, her storytelling often weaved themes of wilderness, survival, and environmentalism. George authored more than 100 books, with her most famous work being “Julie of the Wolves,” which won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1973. She grew up in Washington, D.C., where her father was an entomologist and her mother a botanist, providing her with a rich background in the natural sciences that would later influence her writing. George attended Pennsylvania State University, where she earned a degree in Science and Literature, further cementing her dual interests. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards and honors, establishing her as a beloved figure in children’s literature. She passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire young readers around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Jean Craighead George

1. Jean Craighead George’s book “Julie of the Wolves” was initially rejected by publishers before it became a classic and won the Newbery Medal.

2. George’s love for nature was cultivated from a young age, as she grew up in a family that often explored the wilderness together.

3. She was also an accomplished illustrator, often creating her own illustrations for her books.

4. George once lived in a teepee in the woods while writing “My Side of the Mountain,” experiencing the wilderness first-hand to ensure authenticity.

5. She was married to John Lothar George, an ornithologist, which further influenced her profound connection with nature and wildlife.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jean Craighead George

1. “You have to be self-reliant and strong to survive in this world.”

2. “The only way to save the wilderness is to let it save itself.”

3. “The wolf and I were not alone in the world. We were surrounded by life, by other creatures that lived and breathed and moved.”

4. “Nature was my teacher. I learned from the animals and the plants, from the wind and the stars.”

5. “Writing is a way of talking to strangers, and of making sense of things in your own mind.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth Jean Craighead George achieved was estimated to be around $2 million.

Children

Jean Craighead George had three children: Twig C. George, Craig George, and Luke George. Twig C. George followed in her mother’s footsteps and became an author, writing books about animals and nature.