Jean Fritz

Date of Birth: November 16, 1915

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: May 14, 2017

Biography

Jean Fritz was an acclaimed American children’s author, best known for her historical fiction. Born on November 16, 1915, in Hankow, China, she spent her early years in China due to her parents’ missionary work. The family moved to the United States when she was 13, settling in Pennsylvania. Fritz attended Wheaton College in Massachusetts, where she graduated in 1937. Her passion for history and storytelling led her to write numerous books for young readers, often focusing on American historical figures and events. Over her career, she received multiple awards, including the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award (now known as the Children’s Literature Legacy Award) for her substantial and lasting contributions to children’s literature. Jean Fritz passed away on May 14, 2017, leaving behind a legacy of beloved stories that continue to inspire young readers.

5 Interesting Facts about Jean Fritz

1. Jean Fritz’s book “Homesick: My Own Story” is a semi-autobiographical account of her childhood in China and won the National Book Award in 1983.

2. She wrote more than 40 books during her lifetime, many of which are used in classrooms across the United States.

3. Fritz was awarded the Regina Medal in 1985 for her distinguished contribution to children’s literature.

4. Her book “The Double Life of Pocahontas” won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award in 1984.

5. She was known for her meticulous research and ability to bring historical figures to life in a way that was engaging for children.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jean Fritz

1. “History is not just facts and events. History is also a pain in the heart, and we repeat history until we are able to make another’s pain in the heart our own.”

2. “I write for children because the child in me is still alive.”

3. “When you write for children, you have to keep in mind that they are not only looking for information but also for comfort and understanding.”

4. “Good history is a good story.”

5. “I want children to understand that history is not just a series of dates and events but a collection of human stories.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jean Fritz’s highest net worth is estimated to have been around $1 million, primarily accumulated through her successful writing career and book sales.

Children

Jean Fritz had two children, David Fritz and Andrea Fritz, with her husband Michael Fritz, whom she married in 1941. She often credited her family life as a source of inspiration and grounding throughout her prolific writing career.