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Janet McDonald, author of novels for young adults, died of cancer on April 11, 2007. She was just 53 years old. Her books include Project Girl, Spellbound, Twists and Turns, and Brother Hood, among others.Shamefully, I have found no obituaries, tributes, or remembrances on-line as of yet. (A colleague posted the news on a list_serv to which I subscribe.) McDonald's books gave voice to the many children and teens growing up in the housing projects -- usually forgotten, dismissed, and ignored. She illumintaed thier existence, their hopes, their dreams, and showed the world they aren't really all that different from any other kids. I know that she touched many of the kids I have had the honor of working with over the years.
7 comments:
Yes. She was the most amazing woman. Tributes to her must be in the making. She was larger than life, brilliant, honest, inspirational. A beautiful soul.
Yes, Janet McDonald was a beautiful brilliant women. Have you went on her memorial page www.projectgirl.com. In New Yorks Harlem there was a heart touching memorial service at the Schomberg.
The first memorial service was in Paris whee she was cremated. Her family had a service at The Church Of The Open Door In Brooklyn in May.
Today, August 10th is Janet Birthday. Janet is never forgotten in the McDonald family. We continue to cherish her memory. a website in under construction. Thank you for your concern. My sister was an awsome women and very funny.
We the McDonald family thank you for your concern. We think of Janet everyday. she was deeply committed to her family and we love her and cherish her memory. A website is underconstruction. After her death the book company without warning took her site down. Today is Janets Birthday, she would have been 55 years young.
Been thinking about Janet, her strength, creativity, and ability to inspire. Had to look her up on the internet. Sure enough, it is close to the date that she became pure spirit three years ago.
Last night I was listening to some archived programs on npr's This American Life and happened upon Janet being interviewed by Ira Glass for a show... "Americans In Paris." It was so funny. She was so light, bright, so happy. Ira described her as one of the happiest people he'd ever met. Just now in searching for more info on Janet, I came to this page. So sorry. Here's the link. Click on stream episode. Janet starts around 40:26
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/165/Americans-In-Paris
Thanks Janet.
Karen
My name growing up was Tasha McDonald Washington. I am now known as Tasha Thomas. I am and always will be one of the 4 Checker Girlz, made up by our aunt Janet. We consist of myself Tasha, my sister Makeeba and my cousins Natoya and Starlett. We grew up in the same apartment in Farragut houses along with our mothers Joyce & Debrah Mcdonad, Grandmother Florence McDonald and Janet. Aunt Janet had such an impact in our lives. She loved her family so much and we loved her. She would play so many practical jokes and send grandma funny stuff in packages atleast once a week We have so many memories. We had so much fun. We were her inside connection the the latest dances (she knew how to do them all, lol), songs, and slang. Janet was the most funniest, loving person you could ever have wanted to have in your life. If there is anyone who knew Janet personally then you know of her nieces "The Checker Girlz" and her baby brother Kevin, She had no children of her own - we were her children. She took care of us in some way or another from our birth until she died. I am 36 years old now and i long for just another moment with my aunt. One day i will see her again in heaven - i know we will hug, cry and laugh.
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