Margaret Alison Johansen facts for kids

Margaret Lee Alison Johansen (née Alison, September 7, 1896 – December 28, 1959) was an American author from Alabama. She received the Newbery Honor.

Early and personal life

Johansen was born Margaret Lee Alison on September 7, 1896 in Richmond, Alabama to Annie Goode Hearst and John Dill Alison. She studied at Converse College from 1912 to 1914, the University of Alabama in 1918, and Columbia University in 1922. She was a member of the Delta Delta Delta and Theta Sigma Phi sororities. She married Carl Christian Johansen, adding his surname to hers.

Writing career

Johansen wrote many books, mostly or all for children, between 1924 and 1950. She often collaborated with her sister Alice Alison Lide to write books, and also wrote under the pseudonym "Hugh McAlister," likely also with Lide, to author books aimed at boys. Her first known published work was History of St. Paul's Parish, written with Lide and published in 1924. She continued to publish books throughout her life, the most notable probably being Ood-Le-Uk the Wanderer, a 1930 book which won a 1931 Newbery Honor.

Death

Johansen died on December 28, 1959 in Selma, Alabama, and was buried in the churchyard of Selma's St. Paul's Episcopal Church.