Date of Birth: March 12, 1952
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Biography
Naomi Shihab Nye is an acclaimed American poet, novelist, and songwriter, known for her works that often explore themes of peace, cultural diversity, and the Middle Eastern experience. Born to a Palestinian father and an American mother, Nye’s multicultural background deeply influences her writing. She grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, Jerusalem, and San Antonio, Texas, giving her a unique perspective on the world. Nye began writing poetry at a young age and published her first collection, “Different Ways to Pray,” in 1980. Over the years, she has authored or edited over 30 volumes, including poetry, young adult fiction, and essays. Her notable works include “19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East,” “Habibi,” and “The Turtle of Oman.” Nye’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Ivan Sandrof Award for Lifetime Achievement from the National Book Critics Circle, the Paterson Poetry Prize, and the Robert Creeley Award. She has also served as Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. Besides writing, Nye is a dedicated educator, frequently conducting workshops and speaking engagements to inspire young writers.
5 Interesting Facts about Naomi Shihab Nye
1. Naomi Shihab Nye was the Young People’s Poet Laureate of the United States from 2019 to 2021.
2. She was awarded the Lavan Award from the Academy of American Poets in 1988.
3. Nye edited “This Same Sky,” an anthology of international poems that includes works from 129 poets from 68 countries.
4. Her father, Aziz Shihab, was a journalist and her mother, Miriam Shihab, was an educator.
5. Nye’s poem “Famous” was included in the 2000 anthology “The Best American Poetry.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Naomi Shihab Nye
1. “You can’t order a poem like you order a taco.”
2. “Poetry calls us to pause. There is so much we overlook, while the abundance around us continues to shimmer, on its own.”
3. “I have always loved the gaps, the spaces between things, as much as the things.”
4. “Kindness is the only strength there is.”
5. “You are living in a poem.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Naomi Shihab Nye’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Naomi Shihab Nye has one son, Madison Cloud Fefferman.
Relevant Links
1. [Official Website](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/naomi-shihab-nye
2. [Academy of American Poets](https://poets.org/poet/naomi-shihab-nye
3. [National Book Critics Circle](https://www.bookcritics.org/awards/naomi-shihab-nye/
4. [Library of Congress](https://www.loc.gov/item/n82047120/naomi-shihab-nye/
