Repository:

Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Title:

Arnold Adoff papers

Inclusive Date(s):

1955-2001

Author:

Finding aid prepared by Brittany Harnish, August 2009

Creation:

Finding aid encoded by Brittany Harnish using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2009

Description Rules:

Finding aid prepared using DACS

Origination:

Adoff, Arnold

Extent:

10.00 cubic feet (11 boxes = 8 record storage boxes, 2 newspaper boxes, and 1 oversized box)

Physical Location:

11th floor

Finding Aid Identifier:

OhKeUSC0097

Abstract:

This collection consists largely of manuscripts and related materials from author, children's poet, and anthologist Arnold Adoff. The collection includes other materials as well, such as correspondence, publisher catalogs and promotional items, conference and program materials, newspaper clippings, and interview transcripts.

Revision(s):

December 22, 2022 - Updated by Cara Gilgenbach

Language(s):

The records are in English.

Biography of Arnold Adoff

Arnold Adoff was born in New York, New York, in 1935. He received his B.A. from City College of New York, after which he pursued graduate studies at Columbia University. Adoff initially was employed within the New York public school system for several years before pursuing work as an anthologist, children's poet, and author. In 1960 he married noted author Virginia Hamilton, and the couple eventually settled in Yellow Springs, Ohio, with their two children. Adoff's works touch upon a number of subjects, including nature, food, and the experiences of African Americans. Among the accolades he has received, Adoff was awarded the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Award for Poetry for Children in 1988. Adoff died at his home in 2021 at the age of 85.

Scope and Content

The Arnold Adoff papers consist primarily of manuscripts and other materials related to Adoff's publications, including correspondence, book reviews, and notes. The collection contains general correspondence, awards materials, bibliographies and book lists, and materials relating to conferences and programs attended as well. Also included are interview transcripts, printer's proofs of a manuscript authored by Adoff's son Jaime, newspaper clippings, publisher profile material, book publication announcements, catalogs, and promotional materials, correspondence and documents pertaining to the Gale Autobiography Series Something About the Author, miscellaneous notes and papers, photographs, audiocassettes, and two sweatshirts decorated by elementary school students.

Statement of Arrangement

The Arnold Adoff papers have been divided into five series.

• Series 1: Manuscripts and Related Materials
• Series 2: General Correspondence
• Series 3: Subject Files
• Series 4: Photographs
• Series 5: Audio-Visual and Artifacts

Separated Material

The collection contains a book, Creative Experiences for Young Children, 2nd edition, by Mimi Brodsky Chenfeld, that has been cataloged in LIBRARYsearch and is shelved in the LC-classified book collection.

Related Material

Special Collections and Archives maintains a small collection of Virginia Hamilton's papers and the archive of the conference that has been held in her name since 1985.

Preferred Citation

Arnold Adoff papers. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information

Arnold Adoff donated his papers to Special Collections and Archives in several parts, from 2001 to 2008.

Subject Headings

The following subjects are found in this collection:

Subjects:

• Children's poetry, American
• African Americans--Juvenile poetry
• American poetry--20th century
• Children's literature--Authorship

Persons:

• Adoff, Arnold

Functions:

• Authorship

Occupations:

• Poets, American
• Authors, American

Material Types:

• Manuscripts, American
• Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
• Letters (correspondence)
• Photographs

Detailed Description of The Collection