Ellen Levine author page

Ellen Levine biography

Ellen Levine was an American author and educator known for writing nonfiction and historical fiction for children and young adults. Her work often focused on themes of social justice, civil rights, immigration, and historical resilience.

Levine wrote numerous acclaimed books, including Freedom’s Children: Young Civil Rights Activists Tell Their Own Stories, which presents firsthand accounts of youth involved in the American civil rights movement. She also authored Darkness Over Denmark: The Danish Resistance and the Rescue of the Jews, a nonfiction account of Denmark’s efforts to save its Jewish population during World War II. Both titles received widespread recognition and awards for their contribution to youth historical literature.

Among her other notable works is Henry’s Freedom Box, a picture book based on the true story of Henry “Box” Brown, a man who escaped slavery by mailing himself to freedom. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson, the book was awarded a Caldecott Honor in 2008.

In addition to writing, Levine held degrees in law and political science and was active in teaching and advocacy. Her books continue to be used widely in classrooms and libraries to educate young readers about history, justice, and courage.

She passed away in 2012.