February 23, 2010

Hoose to speak at USM graduation

By Kelley Bouchard kbouchard@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

PORTLAND — Award-winning author Phillip Hoose of Portland will be the commencement speaker at the University of Southern Maine’s 130th graduation ceremony on May 15 at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

Phillip Hoose is a National Book Award finalist for ''Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice.''

Hoose also will receive an honorary doctorate at the ceremony.

Hoose's book, “Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice,” recently received the National Book Award in the young readers category and the Newbery Honor for a prominent contribution to literature for young readers.

In addition, the book was recognized as a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book, a YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction finalist, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and an ALSC Notable Children's Book.

The book is about a young black teenager who was arrested in 1955 in Montgomery, Ala., after refusing to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger. Colvin's protest occurred nine months before a similar, more famous incident involving Rosa Parks.

A graduate of the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Hoose has been a staff member of The Nature Conservancy since 1977 and works to protect habitats of endangered species. He's also a songwriter, performer and member of the Children's Music Network and the band Chipped Enamel.
 

Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form

Send question/comment to the editors




Further Discussion

Here at PressHerald.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.

Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include:
  • Type of computer or mobile device your are using
  • Exact operating system and browser you are viewing the site on (TIP: You can easily determine your operating system here.)