Biography
Sharon M. Draper was born August 21, 1952. She was the oldest child in her family. She always knew she would be a teacher. Her mother would tell her stories every night, one of Sharon's first memories was her mothers voice. By the age of three, Sharon knew hundreds of nursery rhymes and poems. As a child, she went to he library all the time. She was a very fluent reader at a young age. This gave her privileges to read more adult like books. By sixth grade Sharon had read most of the books in her library. She always felt she was more a reader than a writer, but she kept a journal all through Junior High.
During high school Sharon had good grades, but she always had a C in gym. Because of her gym grade Sharon did not get to be the valedictorian at her high school graduation. Even though she was not valedictorian, she was asked to speak at her graduation. She remembers having lots of friends all through high school.
Sharon had many college options. She got accepted into every school she applied for. Many schools tried to convince her to come learn with them. Sharon chose to go to Pepperdine College, a small private school in California. College was the first time anyone had ever really been racist to her. This hurt her, but she made many good friends who supported her. She didn't do much writing during college, but again at her college graduation she was asked to speak. This made her and her family very proud.
Sharon Draper now lives in Cincinnati. She lives with her husband and her dog Honey. She is a writer and professional educator.