معرفی
Alexandria LaFaye is a Visiting Associate Professor in the Children's Literature department at Hollins University, specializing in Graduate Programs and Continuing Studies. She holds an M.F.A. from the University of Memphis and M.A. degrees from Hollins College and Mankato State University, with academic credentials including Children's Literature M.F.A., Children's Book Writing and Illustrating M.F.A., and Children's Literature M.A.
Dr. LaFaye's research interests center on children's and young adult literature, creative writing pedagogy, narrative techniques, and multicultural representation in children's books. Her work explores the continuum of storytelling techniques from telling to dramatic telling to dramatization, with particular focus on how specificity and double-duty details enhance writing. She has published extensively in children's fiction and literary criticism, examining how cultural contexts shape narrative perspectives and character development.
Her scholarly output reveals consistent engagement with historical fiction, particularly American historical settings, and exploration of family dynamics, personal identity, and coming-of-age narratives. LaFaye's work demonstrates a strong commitment to multicultural literature and representation, as evidenced by her active participation in Multicultural Children's Book Day and her critical reviews of diverse children's literature.
Among her notable achievements is the 2005 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction for her novel Worth. This prestigious award recognizes excellence in historical fiction for young readers and underscores LaFaye's contribution to the field.
As an educator, LaFaye maintains an active presence in writing instruction through her blog Word Wanderings Rest Stop, where she shares writing exercises, literary analysis, and teaching techniques. Her approach emphasizes practical application of writing principles and encourages students to develop their unique voices while mastering narrative craft.
