Born: September 11, 1957, Brooklyn, New York, U.S. (Show more) James McBride (born September 11, 1957, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.) is an American author and musician known for his acclaimed works of historical fiction and autobiography, including the best-selling memoir The Color of Water (1996) and the National Book Award-winning novel The Good Lord Bird (2013). McBride was the eighth child of an interracial and interfaith couple. His mother, Ruth McBride (née Ruchel Zylska, later spelled Rachel Shilsky), was white and a Jewish immigrant from Poland. His father, Andrew McBride, was an African American Baptist pastor. McBride’s father died while Ruth McBride was pregnant with James. She later remarried, to ...(100 of 1105 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!