James Lincoln Collier

James Lincoln Collier, born in 1928, is a prolific writer best known for his young adult historical fiction and and history and biographies in jazz. He is perhaps best known for his book, “My Brother Sam is Dead,” co-authored with his brother Christopher Collier, a professor of history and the former Connecticut state historian. My Brother Sam is Dead is a Newbery Honor book that was also named an ALA Notable Children's Book and nominated for a National Book Award in 1975. Combining storytelling and history, it remains popular in many schools.

Other historical fiction collaborations include “Jump Ship to Freedom,” “Who is Carrie?,” “The Winter hero,” “War comes to Willy Freeman,” and others.

In addition to these historical fiction collaborations, he has written many popular young adult fiction titles, including “The Teddy Bear Habit,” “My Crooked Family,” “Give Dad My Best," "Outside looking in," and many others. Many of the titles feature a gripping ahead-of-its-time realism, focusing on children struggling with dysfunctional families, poverty, and the challenge of being an outsider.

Collier has also authored a number of young adult nonfiction titles, including “The Drama of American History,” a 20-volume history of the U.S., again co-authored with his brother, as well many others.

Collier’s adult offerings focus on nonfiction, most notably one of the first complete histories of jazz, “The Making of Jazz,” as well as biographies of Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and other well known jazz musicians. Also of note is “The Rise of Selfishness in the United States,” which presages contemporary research on this topic.

At the age of 95, Collier continues to write on a manual Royal typewriter in New York City and in his 18th century house in Duchess County, New York.

Feature work

My Brother Sam Is Dead

The novel received various book awards and nominations from the National Book Foundation and American Library Association, but was later ranked in ALA's "Most Frequently Challenged Books" and "Banned/Challenged Books" from 1990 to 2000 and 2000 to 2009.

”Very good book. My son had to read it for his 5th grade class; and since I like to be close to what is being taught I read the book as well. Book is tough (emotionally so for a 5th grader), but accurately depicts the challenges in all conflicts - the main theme of the book.”

- Erik Anderson

”This is one of my favorite books of all time. It really puts into perspective how people could have lived during this time period. Especially Sam's death made me cry, and anyone who likes some action should read this.”

- Faith Rabadi

”Amazing read!! Unlike some books, I was interested from the beginning. I had to read this and one other and this was far superior. Amazing characters and a great storyline. Highly recommended.”

- Cooper Shelton

Here's what readers say

More than children

James Lincoln Collier is not only a prolific writer dedicated to children, but also an individual who writes for adults and delves into the realms of music and American history.

Children

Adults

Jazz

Bibliography