When Laura Ingalls Wilder decided to write about her childhood on the American frontier, she had no idea that her books would become staples of children's literature. Wilder published her first book, "Little House in the Big Woods", at age 65. She went on to write seven more "Little House" books, finishing the last one when she was 76 years old. Born in 1867, Wilder realized that with the "Little House" books, she could capture a rich part of American history for posterity while sharing her personal memories with others. "Laura Ingalls Wilder" is a full-color biography that shows how these...
When Laura Ingalls Wilder decided to write about her childhood on the American frontier, she had no idea that her books would become staples of childr...
As a young girl growing up in El Paso, Texas, Pat Mora felt as though she belonged to two worlds - the American culture of Texas and the Latino culture of Mexico. When her parents gave her a typewriter as an 8th-grade graduation gift, Mora started expressing her feelings through poetry. She would go on to become the Chicana voice of the Southwest, telling stories about the desert and the Latino people who are forced to straddle two cultures. Mora has also turned her talents toward authoring storybooks for young readers, in which she teaches valuable lessons about being different, the...
As a young girl growing up in El Paso, Texas, Pat Mora felt as though she belonged to two worlds - the American culture of Texas and the Latino cultur...
Growing up poor in the barrios of Fresno, California, Gary Soto found it nearly impossible to imagine a better life for himself. Yet this child of farm workers was able to escape his life of poverty and despair to become a popular and versatile author. His work, ranging from poetry, fiction, and autobiographical essays for adults to novels, short stories, poetry, and picture books for young readers, explores what it is like to grow up as a Mexican American in the United States. "Gary Soto" is the inspirational biography of a critically acclaimed writer who was able to transcend his humble...
Growing up poor in the barrios of Fresno, California, Gary Soto found it nearly impossible to imagine a better life for himself. Yet this child of far...
When he was 37 years old, Richard Peck quit his teaching career to see if he could become a writer. More than 30 years later, Richard Peck is one of Americas most popular young adult authors. Some of Pecks novels deal with traumatic subjects such as teen suicide, the death of a loved one, and rape. But he is also known for his ghost stories, comical novels, and historical novels. Peck has published more than 30 books, which include "Fair Weather," "Strays Like Us," "The Great Interactive Dream Machine," "Ghosts I Have Been," and "A Year Down Yonder," a Newbery Medal winner. He is also the...
When he was 37 years old, Richard Peck quit his teaching career to see if he could become a writer. More than 30 years later, Richard Peck is one of A...
With his first novel for young adults, "Space Station Seventh Grade," Jerry Spinelli established himself as a writer of stories that reflect the real concerns of adolescents accompanied by wit and humor. His books, including the Newbery-winning "Maniac Magee," cover the controversial topics of race relations, gender bias, and even the Holocaust. In "Jerry Spinelli," learn more about this popular author's journey as a writer, from his first published poem about sports to the bag of chicken bones that inspired his first published novel.
With his first novel for young adults, "Space Station Seventh Grade," Jerry Spinelli established himself as a writer of stories that reflect the real ...
Madeleine LEngles long writing career began when she wrote her first story about a grul, or girl, at age five. LEngle spent her childhood bouncing between governesses and boarding school before she attended Smith College and made a permanent home in New York City. LEngle completed her most famous work, "A Wrinkle in Time," in 1960, but it was rejected by more than two dozen publishers before it came out in 1962. LEngles picture books, fantastic young adult novels, and Christian writing made her one of the most popular and recognizable authors in American literature. In "Madeleine LEngle,"...
Madeleine LEngles long writing career began when she wrote her first story about a grul, or girl, at age five. LEngle spent her childhood bouncing bet...
Virtually everyone knows her name and the names of her wizarding characters. As the 13th richest woman in England, she earned her fortune in a rather unusual way - by writing books. J.K. Rowling is one of the most popular authors of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Her books about Harry Potter's adventures are widely read by adults and children alike and have been translated into more than 64 languages. With the recent completion of the seven-book series, Rowling's popularity is at an all-time high. But Rowling didn't start out famous. As a single mother, she struggled for many years...
Virtually everyone knows her name and the names of her wizarding characters. As the 13th richest woman in England, she earned her fortune in a rather ...