The Spying Heart: More Thoughts on Reading and Writing Books for Children

by Katherine Paterson

In speeches, essays, and book reviews, the novelist Katherine Paterson discusses why she writes children's books, where her ideas come from, how she develops her characters and realistic plots, and her experiences growing up in China.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

196 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Katherine Womeldorf Paterson is an American writer best known for children's novels, including Bridge to Terabithia. For four different books published 1975–1980, she won two Newbery Medals and two National Book Awards. She is one of four people to win the two major international awards; for "lasting contribution to children's literature" she won the biennial Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing in 1998 and for her career contribution to "children's and young adult literature in the broadest sense" she won the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award from the Swedish Arts Council in 2006, the biggest monetary prize in children's literature. Also for her body of work she was awarded the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children's Literature in 2007 and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal from the American Library Association in 2013. She was the second US National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, serving 2010 and 2011.

Reviews

[TurtleneckGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this collection of speeches, essays, and book reviews by novelist Katherine Paterson in 1993. In November 2000 I met Katherine Paterson at the annual Washington Post - Children's Book Guild Luncheon and asked her to inscribe my warped and coffee-stained volume. It sits on my bookshelves today, quite unassuming, among the bindings of newer and perhaps more lofty titles on the art of writing. Nevertheless, this work embodies one of the truest spirits of generosity, intelligence and comradery I have yet to encounter in the writing community. The essay, "On Being a Good Boss,' is a personal favorite.

[Emily Vander Ark · Rating 4 out of 5]

There aren't many books out there that tick the boxes of writing for children and Christian faith. The way Paterson sees these two spares as irrevocably linked is life giving. The clarity she offers about the simple purpose of writing for children - to show them that yes, the world will be disappointing and awful, but there are glimmers of hope enough to keep going - laced with the larger meaning of her faith, is poignant. Would recommend for any Christian writer, but especially if children are an intended audience.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful mix of long speeches and shorter reviews. Though it describes itself as thoughts on reading and writing for children, it also gives theological insight and thoughts on living as people of hope in this world. My favorite essays are "Hope and Happy Endings" and "Do I Dare Disturb the Universe."

[Damla Tantekin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Our task as teachers, and writers, artists and parents is to nourish the imagination -our own and that of the children entrusted to our care"

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much beautiful wisdom in this collection of speeches, essays, and reviews. Wisdom for writing, for creation, for all the rest.

[Jean Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven't finished but 5 stars. What a gem.

[Tina Bembry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this before bed last night and could hardly put it down. The observations Katherine makes about telling stories are profound and set my mind on fire. It is particularly interesting to hear her experiences with adult readers and how they take certain of her books so differently from each other, and give her opposing feedback. It's helpful to hear how she tries to keep a distance between judgmental readers and herself, so she is not unduly influenced by them or discouraged by them.

[Liaken · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice collection. Some of the stories and thoughts were familiar from other collections. I think that for everyone who reads her essay collections, the first one is always the most powerful. For me, it was A Sense of Wonder. Encountering the intimacy of her mind and heart is so immediate and compelling.

[Michele]

I knew I was going to enjoy this one as soon as Paterson mentioned having tea with Rosemary Sutclif!

[C.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keen reflections on life, and craft and art of story.