Betty Baker
Betty Lou Baker was an American author born on June 20, 1928, in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. She is best known for her contributions to children's literature, particularly in the genres of historical fiction and fantasy. Baker’s interest in writing was sparked while searching for quality reading materials for her son, leading her to create stories that accurately represented historical events and diverse cultures, including Native American narratives. Throughout her career, she emphasized the importance of accuracy, often conducting thorough research and consulting experts to enhance her work.
Baker's literary achievements earned her several accolades, including the Western Heritage Award and the Spur Award from the Western Writers of America. She was also recognized for her skill in character development and humor, receiving praise from notable publications. In addition to her writing, Baker taught creative writing and was involved in various literary organizations. She continued to produce work until her death on November 6, 1987, and her books remain influential, with some published posthumously. Baker’s legacy is preserved in collections at prestigious universities, showcasing her dedication to children's literature and cultural representation.
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Subject Terms
Betty Baker
Fiction Writer
- Born: June 20, 1928
- Birthplace: Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
- Died: November 6, 1987
- Place of death: Tuscon, Arizona
Biography
Betty Lou Baker was born on June 20, 1928, in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, to Robert Weidler Baker and Mary Wentling Baker. She played with the neighbor’s son, who pretended that he was a cowboy and she was an Indian whom he chased and fought. Baker surprised him by capturing him, altering his stereotypical play. This episode was her first realization that members of minority groups did not always have to be submissive and controlled by powerful people.
Baker moved with her parents to Newark, New Jersey, prior to World War II. She explored her neighborhood and became aware of immigrants and minorities who lived nearby. She appreciated the diversity of people and cultures that had been missing from her Pennsylvania community. Baker studied at Orange, New Jersey, schools.
Baker earned income by creating crossword puzzles and managing a gift store. On May 18, 1949, Baker married Robert George Venturo. They had one son before Baker and her husband divorced in 1964. She lived in Colorado and in Tucson, Arizona, where she died on November 6, 1987.
Baker became interested in children’s literature while looking for books to help her son learn to read when he was in first grade. Disappointed by finding mistakes and omissions in his books, Baker aspired to present historical topics accurately and appealingly for young readers. Her awareness of the history of the U.S. Southwest and Mexico motivated Baker to create works of historical fiction, exploring how contrasting cultures impacted each other. She also retold Native American stories for modern readers.
Baker aimed to write entertaining books which maintained readers’ interest. She consulted experts and located primary sources, including stagecoach timetables, for historical authenticity. Baker consistently wrote five thousand words daily, even, when possible, on trips, which she often undertook to research and discover possible stories. In addition to historical and Native American books, she penned fantasies. Baker taught creative writing specifically for people interested in creating children’s literature. She edited Roundup, the magazine published by the Western Writers of America, an organization to which she belonged. Baker was also a member of Arizona Press Women.
Reviewers in such prestigious journals as Horn Book praised Baker’s stylistic techniques, particularly her development of characters, settings, and humor. They noted the plausibility of her plots, whether representing historical or fantastical genres. Some reviewers, though, had biased reactions to Baker’s negative portrayals of Spain’s colonial policies in the New World.
In 1964, Baker’s book, Killer-of-Death, won the Western Heritage Award for notable Western children’s literature. The Western Writers of America presented Baker its Spur Award in 1967, honoring The Dunderhead War. Baker received her second Western Heritage Award in 1971 for her book And One Was a Wooden Indian. Her novel Dupper won the Children’s Book Council’s 1977 Children’s Book Showcase Award. Publishers continued to release Baker’s books posthumously. The University of Minnesota’s Kerlan Collection and the library of the University of California at Los Angeles hold materials created during Baker’s writing career.