E. L. Konigsburg, American author and illustrator (d. 2013)

E.L. Konigsburg: An Enduring Voice in Children's Literature

Elaine Lobl Konigsburg (February 10, 1930 – April 19, 2013), widely known as E.L. Konigsburg, was a celebrated American author and illustrator whose distinctive voice shaped children's books and young adult fiction for decades. Renowned for her witty prose, complex characters, and engaging narratives, Konigsburg left an indelible mark on American children's literature, earning some of its highest accolades.

A Distinguished Career: Two Newbery Medals and Historic Firsts

Konigsburg is one of only six authors in history to have been awarded two Newbery Medals, the most prestigious literary prize for children's literature in the United States. Presented annually by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), the bronze Newbery Medal recognizes the "most distinguished contribution to American children's literature" of the preceding year. This esteemed award reflects a book's literary merit and its potential to enrich the lives of young readers.

An Unprecedented Debut

In 1966, Konigsburg submitted her first two manuscripts to editor Jean Karl at Atheneum Publishers. Both were published in 1967: Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. This dual publication proved to be historic. For her remarkable debut, E.L. Konigsburg achieved an unparalleled feat: she became the only person ever to win the Newbery Medal for one book (From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler) and simultaneously be recognized as a Newbery Honor Book (the official designation for a runner-up) for her other title (Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth) in the very same year. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, her most famous work, tells the captivating story of siblings Claudia and Jamie Kincaid, who run away from home to live secretly in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

A Second Newbery Triumph

Twenty-nine years after her initial success, Konigsburg secured her second Newbery Medal in 1997 for The View from Saturday. This significant gap marks the longest span between two Newbery awards bestowed upon a single author, further cementing her unique place in literary history. The View from Saturday features four sixth-grade students who are chosen for their school's academic bowl team, with the narrative expertly woven through their individual perspectives and the connections that bring them together.

International Recognition: Hans Christian Andersen Award Nominee

Beyond her national recognition, Konigsburg's profound impact on children's literature garnered international acclaim. In 2006, she was selected as the U.S. nominee for the biennial Hans Christian Andersen Award. Often referred to as the "Little Nobel Prize," this prestigious international award, presented by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), is the highest global recognition available to creators of children's books, honoring authors and illustrators for their lasting contributions to children's literature.

Frequently Asked Questions About E.L. Konigsburg

When was E.L. Konigsburg born and when did she pass away?

Elaine Lobl Konigsburg was born on February 10, 1930, and passed away on April 19, 2013.

What significant awards did E.L. Konigsburg win?

E.L. Konigsburg is most famous for winning two Newbery Medals and one Newbery Honor. She was also nominated for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award.

For which books did E.L. Konigsburg win her Newbery Medals?

She won her first Newbery Medal in 1968 for From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Her second Newbery Medal was awarded in 1997 for The View from Saturday.

What was unique about her first Newbery recognition?

In 1968, E.L. Konigsburg made history by becoming the only author to win the Newbery Medal for one book (From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler) and simultaneously receive a Newbery Honor (runner-up) for another book (Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth) in the same year.

What is the Hans Christian Andersen Award?

The Hans Christian Andersen Award is a highly esteemed international award presented biennially to an author and an illustrator for their lasting contributions to children's literature, considered the highest international recognition in the field.