FROM THE PUBLISHER

Milton Meltzer is one of the greatest talents in children's literature today. In his own words, Meltzer shares many of his personal and professional inspirations, challenges, and successes. Meltzer takes the reader on a journey from his days in school to his work with the Works Progress Administration to his time in the service during World War II to the launch of his career as a full-time writer. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Christopher, Jane Addams, Carter G. Woodson, Regina Medal, Jefferson Cup, and Golden Kite awards. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Meltzer discovered the joy of reading early on. As a child, he devoured the written word in its many forms: newspaper comics, dime-store novels, and the books he could get for free at the local public library. He includes Walt Whitman, Carl Sandburg, and Sherwood Anderson among his early influences. Meltzer's first success came with his book A Pictorial History of the Negro in America, which he worked on with Langston Hughes, an important African American poet. After this project, he turned his attention to writing a biography of Mark Twain. This was the first of many well-received biographies written by Meltzer. In addition to biographies, he continues to write about many significant historic movements and events, such as the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement.

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-In this fascinating memoir, readers view the world through the eyes of a boy who is only too aware of the effect of poverty and being on the outside looking in. Finding heroes, both real and imagined, in books thrilled, comforted, and made patterns to be followed for this child of Austro-Hungarian Jewish immigrants. The discovery of the public library and a good English teacher allowed progression from the reading of comic books and dime novels to the important books of the day. The Great Depression and his father's death forced Meltzer to drop out of college. Experiences with the W.P.A. introduced him to the struggle of organized labor in New York, and military service in the South exposed him to the injustices suffered by blacks, which later led to a rich collaboration and friendship with Langston Hughes. The author includes clear, interesting explanations about the American historical and economic events that influenced his life. While this book is a pleasure to read for general interest, it would also supplement units on American history. Well-chosen, black-and-white photos and reproductions appear throughout.-Cindy Darling Codell, formerly at Clark Middle School, Winchester, KY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.