Joyce Carol Thomas
Joyce Carol Thomas' characters enact the verities of human life: romance, apprehension, loss, and hope, and they perform on the author's real life stage.
Dr. Maya Angelou, poet, author
1938 - 2016
About Joyce Carol Thomas
Joyce Carol Thomas (1938–2016) was an award-winning author, poet, and educator whose work beautifully wove together the rhythms of African-American life, the richness of oral storytelling, and the lyrical power of language. Born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and raised in both the cotton fields of the South and the migrant farms of California, Thomas drew on her rural upbringing, church music, and multicultural influences to create deeply moving stories and poetry. Best known for her National Book Award–winning novel Marked by Fire and her celebrated children’s collections such as Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea, she brought warmth, authenticity, and a deep love for family and heritage to every page she wrote.
“Therefore I approach
The cup slowly
But first I ask
Who has set this table”
Joyce Carol Thomas, Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea
"
Joyce Carol Thomas is a great and graceful soul. Through her example she encourages love. Through her work, understanding, growth, and hope.
ALICE WALKER
Pulitzer Prize Winner
WORKS BY
JOYCE CAROL THOMAS
NOVELS
POETRY
PICTURE BOOKS
BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
NON-FICTION COLLECTION
ANTHOLOGIES
ANTHOLOGIES EDITED
PLAYS
Thomas wrote numerous plays, often adaptations of her novels. For a list of select titles, click below.
CONTACT
This site was created with admiration and in part as an academic project as part of sabbatical leave by Professor Omari Tau, Professor of Vocal Music at Cosumnes River College.
For any inquiries about this site or for more information, please contact Professor Tau.
Tel: 916-691-7234 | Email: tauo@crc.losrios.edu
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