O’Dell, Scott (1898-1989), an American author, became known for his historical novels for children. Many of his works are set in Mexico and southern California. O’Dell’s first children’s book, Island of the Blue Dolphins (1960), won the 1961 Newbery Medal. The Newbery Medal is awarded annually to the outstanding children’s book by an American.
O’Dell’s other children’s books include The King’s Fifth (1966), The Black Pearl (1967), Sing Down the Moon (1970), and Streams to the River, River to the Sea (1986). O’Dell wrote three related novels about a 16-year-old Spanish boy’s experiences in the New World. The series consists of The Captive (1979), The Feathered Serpent (1981), and The Amethyst Ring (1982).
O’Dell was born on May 23, 1898, in Los Angeles. He received the Hans Christian Andersen Award for lifetime achievement in 1972. He also received the Regina Medal in 1978. In 1982, O’Dell established the Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award for outstanding works of historical fiction set in the New World (North America, Central America, and South America). O’Dell died on Oct. 15, 1989.
