'I learned that words are powerful'
“I think the reason I'm a writer isbecause first, I was a reader. I loved to read. I read a lot of adventurestories and mystery books, and I have wonderful memories of my mom readingpicture books aloud to me. I learned that words are powerful.” – Andrew Clements
Born in New Jersey on this date in 1949, Clements (who died in 2019) wrotedozens of children's books, beginning with Frindle, an ongoing favoriteof kids around the world.
In 2016 the book won the PhoenixAward as “the best book that did not win a major award when it was published in1996.” Frindle gives us a different way to look at dictionaries and howwords are developed and used.
“The dictionary is like a timecapsule of all of human thinking ever since words began to be written down,”Clements said. “Exploring where wordshave come from can increase your understanding of the words themselves andexpand your understanding of how to use the words.”
It was Clements’ use of words andhis ability to “get into the personnas” he created that made him a favorite,especially among the “Tween” age group. For a terrific read (and don’t be embarrassedabout reading a kids’ book), read his compelling Things Not Seen. It willopen your eyes (no pun intended).
“Part of being a good fiction writeris being able to imagine how someone else is thinking and feeling,” hesaid. “I think I've always been good atthat.”
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