For our final featured author of the school year, Gary Paulsen, renown as a writer did not come easy.  Although he's authored nearly 400 books, short stories, and articles for people young and old over a 40+ year career, he didn't enjoy much critical or commercial success until 1985 when his novel Dogsong was published.  Paulsen chooses to lead a simple life despite his fame; he and his illustrator wife split their time between their home in New Mexico and their sailboat.  Paulsen draws his stories from his youthful and grownup adventures.  He ran away from home when he was but fourteen.  He's twice raced the grueling Alaskan sled dog race, the Iditarod, and he's preparing to make a solo journey in his watercraft around Cape Horn.  His popularity as a writer remains constant and many of his works are now required reading for students throughout the United States.  Paulsen is a three-time recipient of the Newbery Honor and his many tales of Brian Robeson, which began with Hatchet, have enthralled readers for years now.  If you haven't read any of Mr. Paulsen's many wonderful tales, check one out before the week ends or add a couple of his titles to your summer reading list.
 

Beverly Cleary celebrates her 96th birthday this year and in her storied career she has delighted book fans young and old with dozens of tales.  The enduring appeal of her characters has spanned generations of readers.  Many adults can claim having read her works as children and now their children and grandchildren can claim the same.  Cleary's career as a writer began over sixty years ago when she was working as a children's librarian in Yakima, Washington.  Responding to calls from the youth she met through her work, particularly the boys who complained about not having anything appealing to read, she authored Henry Huggins, the first of forty plus books that she has since had published.  Cleary has received numerous honors for her work, including the Newbery Medal in 1984 for Dear Mr. Henshaw.  Her April 12th birthday is now recognized as National D.E.A.R. (Drop-Everything-And-Read) Day with celebrations scheduled throughout the United States to promote the love of reading.

The featured author for February 2012 is Judy Blume (born February 12, 1938).  Noted for her ability to tap into children's feelings about a wide range of issues without talking down to them, she is among the most highly regarded authors of books for young people.  Her works are also among the most frequently challenged by some parents because of the issues she writes about for children.  I'm proud we have many of Blume's works and I encourage you and your children to explore the themes she presents in her writing and talk about the challenges her characters face.  Many of you probably read her books growing up and now your children can have that opportunity, too.