Here are some of Virginia Hamilton's accomplishments:
* She wrote more than 40 books for children and young adults.
* She won the Newbery Medal in 1975 for *M. C. Higgins, the Great*, making her the first African American to win this prestigious award.
* She also won the Coretta Scott King Award five times, for her books *Zeely*, *The House of Dies Drear*, *Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush*, *In the Beginning: Creation Stories from Around the World*, and *The People Could Fly*.
* Her books have been translated into more than 20 languages.
* She was the first African American to be named the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature by the Library of Congress.
* She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2004.
**Virginia Hamilton's work has been praised for its:*
* Historical accuracy and research.
* Strong characterization.
* Evocative language.
* Themes of identity, family, and community.
* She is considered one of the most important and influential African-American children's authors of all time.
Her books continue to be read and enjoyed by children and adults around the world.