William H. Hooks

1921 - 2008
William H. Hooks, 86, died Monday, March 3, 2008 at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. He leaves a distinguished legacy of literary and artistic achievement; having earned the Distinguished Alumnus Award in the Field of Literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Irma Simonton and James Black Award for Lifetime Achievement in Children's Literature, the American Association of University Women's award for best books for children, the Oppenheim Portfolio Platinum Book Award, and Notable Book Awards from the National Council Teachers of English and Social Studies, The American Library Association, American Booksellers Association, Parents' Choice Magazine, and was honored by NEWSWEEK children's books "Picks of the Year". In 2001, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill established the William H. Hooks Award for Children's Literature.
William Hooks was born in Whiteville, NC, son of the late Thetis and Bill Hooks. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA of Dramatic Art and Masters of History. He was a veteran of WWII. After the war, he began a career in the arts, studying at the American Theatre Wing in New York City. He was both a dancer and choreographer with his own dance company; and was involved in a wide variety of theatrical productions, including UNTO THESE HILLS, HORN OF THE WEST and other historical outdoor dramas.
His primary career was in education and children's writing, where he was recognized as a leader in the field of educational publications. He served as conceptualizer and Director of the Bank Street College Publications Group and was Managing Editor for the famous Bank Street Readers and Child Development Series. He acted as educational consultant to CBS for the "Captain Kangaroo Show", for NBC weekend specials, and for the Peabody award-winning ABC "Afternoon Specials". For 15 years he was a consultant to all of the ABC children's television programs. He authored over 50 children's books; the best known PIONEER CAT was recently re-issued in an anniversary edition. His novels draw heavily upon folk literature of his childhood in eastern North Carolina and Appalachia where he collected many tales from oral traditions.
Upon retirement from Bank Street College of Education, William Hooks moved to Chapel Hill where he continued to write and publish children's books. He gave back to the local community, reading his novels at schools through out the state, donating his time and talents mentoring local authors. He served on the boards of directors for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and Carolina Wren Press.
He is survived by his sister, Mozelle Bunn of Whiteville; niece, Candace Davies of Chapel Hill, and her sons, William and Jon; nephew, Dr. David Bunn and wife, Dana of Wilmington, and their children, Caroline Mason, and David Bunn III; niece, Suzanne Haar and her husband, Jay of Myrtle Beach SC, and their son, Pierce; nephew, Buddy Hooks and wife, Susan of Whiteville and children, sister-in-law, Lou Hooks of Whiteville and her daughter, Norah Howard and children of Mount Pleasant, SC; nephew, Richard Hooks and wife, Helen of Southern Pines.
A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill, with a graveside service at 4:00 p.m. at Western Prong Baptist Church in Whiteville.
The family will be at the home of Candace Davies, 718 E Franklin Street.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the William Hooks Award, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, c/o UNC Development Office, PO Box 309, Chapel Hill, NC 27514; or Western Prong Baptist Church, 167 Peacock Rd, Whiteville, NC 28472.
Online condolences may be sent to www.walkersfuneralservice.com
Walker's Funeral Home is assisting the Hooks Family.