Book Description
Real-Life Reader Biographies present the lives of contemporary role models for young readers. These are the stories of real men and women who, despite many obstacles, followed their dreams. Robin Williams has been called "the funniest man alive." It is not an exaggeration. Though he grew up in a wealthy home, his comedy routines began as the result of loneliness when he was a youngster. He was the only child of older parents, who each had a grown son from previous marriages. Robin's favorite comedian was Jonathan Winters, who specialized in creating different characters with funny voices. Robin would practice all the routines that Winters did. He then created his own characters and his own voices, often to make his mother laugh. It is not surprising that his claim to fame would be in a TV show about a nutty extraterrestrial named Mork. Garry Marshall's hit show Mork and Mindy during the late 70's gave Robin just the vehicle he needed to create his fame. But, Robin is very serious about his comedy: "You're only given a little spark of madness," he says. "You musn't lose that madness."

About the Author
Susan Zannos has taught all levels, from preschool to college, in Mexico, Greece, Italy, Russia, Lithuania, as well as the United States. She has published a mystery, Trust the Liar (Walker and Co.) and Human Types: Essence and the Ennaegram was published by Samuel Weiser in 1997. She has written several books for children, including Paula Abdul and Cesar Chavez (Mitchell Lane).

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature