Marilyn Nelson is the author or translator of twelve books and three chapbooks. Her newest book of poetry is Sweethearts of Rhythm (2009), and her newest children's book is Snook Alone (2010). Her honors include two NEA creative writing fellowships, the 1990 Connecticut Arts Award, a Fulbright Teaching Fellowship, and a fellowship from the J.S. Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Nelson is a professor emeritus of English at the University of Connecticut and a former Poet Laureate of the State of Connecticut.