August 2, 2014: it was James Baldwin's birthday. ... James Baldwin left Paris and came to Leukerbad for the first time in 1951. His lover Lucien Happersberger's family had a chalet in a village up in the mountains. ... His first novel, "Go Tell It on the Mountain," found its final form here. ... There are glances all over Europe and in India, and anywhere I go outside Africa. ...

• Word Count: 1342
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

His childhood and his relationship with his stepfather was the basis for his most famous novel, Got Tell it on the Mountain. ... In addition, James Baldwin was a frequent victim of racism. ... James Baldwin's influences varied. ... His most famous novel, Got Tell It on the Mountain published in 1953, is an unusual depiction of a coming-of-age story of a fourteen year old boy, John Grimes. ... The novel takes place in Paris; the main character, like Baldwin, goes to Paris to both escape and to find himself. ...

• Word Count: 2437
• Approx Pages: 10
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School