Johanna Hurwitz
Johanna Hurwitz is frequently selected by young readers as one of their favorite writers. She is particularly fond of seven- to nine-year olds because they are "so very open and get excited about small things." Her realistic fiction is based on the experiences of her life--every book has a piece of her life in it.
Hurwitz's love of books and stories started early. Her New York City home was filled with books--so many books that when medics were called to her home because she had taken a spill, they stopped to remark on the magnitude of the collection. As she grew up, Hurwitz began making up and telling stories to her younger brother and then to her own children.
Formally trained as a children's librarian, she worked in public and school libraries and taught graduate courses in children's literature and storytelling. Finally, when her children were older, Hurwitz started to write down some of her stories, and it's been like Niagara Falls ever since. The first was Busybody Nora (1976, Morrow, Ages 6 to 11, $12.95 and $1.50 pb) and since then, the books keep coming, and now there are more than three dozen.
In addition to her personal experiences, Hurwitz undertakes extensive research for her books. When she wrote a story that dealt with dogs and training, she attended an obedience class even though she has no dog. For A Llama in the Family (1994, Morrow, Ages 7 up, $14.00), she went on a llama trek and spent time at a llama farm.
In recent remarks, Hurwitz stated that research can change the direction of a story. For example, in The Rabbi's Girls (1982, Morrow, Ages 10 to 12, $11.95 and $3.95 pb), a tornado that her mother mentioned from her childhood turned out to be a devastating storm--60 kids were killed one Saturday while sitting in the balcony of a movie theater in Lorain, Ohio. It was such a vivid incident that it became a focal point of the book.
According to Hurwitz, writing fiction is fun, because it lets you "fudge" on the facts. Let's hope she continues to whip up more of her delicious fudge.
Marilyn CourtotReviews
Birthday Surprises: Ten Great Stories To UnwrapJohanna Hurwitz
10 children's authors were asked to write a story based on the premise that one beautifully wrapped birthday gift is empty. These short stories cover every genre from fantasy to a collection of letters. Karla Kuskin's story is written in verse. In Jane Yolen's "Birthday Box," a dying mother plans a party at the hospital for her daughter but the present she leaves the child is empty. It's up to the child to uncover it's meaning. Writing is like a thumbprint, no two stories are alike. Not only a great read-aloud but what an inspiration for having children share their ideas on this same theme. 1997 (orig. 1995), Morrow, Ages 8 to 12, $16.00 and $4.95. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-688-13194-8
ISBN: 0-688-15295-3
The Down & Up Fall
Johanna Hurwitz
Illustrated by Gail Owens
Hurwitz's humorous series featuring friends Bolivia, Rory, and Derek is now completed. Bolivia is spending this school year living with her aunt and uncle, while her parents travel to Turkey for an archeological dig. The three friends are united and divided over a litter of kittens, a puzzling rash, DeDe and Aldo, after-school clubs, and where to eat Thanksgiving dinner. Can friendship withstand possessiveness? Can you make new friends but keep the old? How did the science teacher create that simulated rain forest in an empty classroom? All the answers and good fun await. 1996, Morrow, Ages 8 to 12, $15.00. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner
ISBN: 0-688-14568-X
Elisa in the Middle
Johanna Hurwitz
Illustated by Lillian Hoban
This beginning chapter book is about five-year-old Elisa and her adventures as the middle child in a family with two brothers. One in a series of Russell and Elisa books, this one follows the adventures of Elisa as she tries to assert her independence, and at the same time strive to feel accepted as an equal part of the family. The six chapters deal with everything from Elisa's trying to measure up to her older brother, to humorous mishaps such as Elisa's attempt at hatching chickens. Youngsters will identify with Elisa's growing pains. Each chapter contains several black and white drawings. 1998 (orig. 1995), Morrow/Puffin Books, Ages 7 to 10, $15.00 and $4.99. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger
ISBN: 0-688-14050-5
ISBN: 0-14-038783-8
Even Stephen
Johanna Hurwitz
Illustrated by Michael Dooling
Although 14-year-old Sunny Marx loves and admires her 17-year-old brother, Stephen, she can't help comparing herself to him, and seeing herself as dull and average. Stephen seems to constantly outshine her when it comes to brains, looks, friends and above all, confidence. By the end of this short, realistic novel, however, Sunny manages to live up to her bright nickname. She helps Stephen overcome his depression and regain some of his confidence after he fails in his attempt to revive his basketball coach using CPR. Sunny, Stephen, their parents and friends are appealing, believable characters dealing with everyday problems and situations that are both amusing and poignant. 1996, Morrow, Ages 10 to 14, $15.00. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan
ISBN: 0-688-14197-8
Ever-Clever Elisa
Johanna Hurwitz
Illustrated by Lillian Hoban
Hurwitz continues her Michaels family early reader series with six new stories featuring six-year-old Elisa. From first grade adventures, to a lesson in voting, to negotiations with the tooth fairy, Elisa's easy nature always brings her out on top. Lillian Hoban's black and white illustrations complement these pleasant stories. 1997, Morrow, Ages 5 to 8, $15.00. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr
ISBN: 0-688-15189-2
Faraway Summer
Johanna Hurwitz
Readers have a glimpse of what it was like for a poor Russian-Jewish immigrant from New York in 1910 to visit a farm in Vermont with the Meades, a Gentile family. The Meades learn about Dossi's traditions such as not eating meat unless it is kosher, or not drinking milk when there is meat on the table. In return, she learns how to gather eggs, milk cows and takes part in alerting the Meades to a barn fire that puts their house in danger. The historic facts appear in the Author's Note. The Fresh Air Fund was established in 1877 and is still in existence. It has succeeded in giving city children a chance to taste life in the country. 1998, Morrow, Ages 8 to 11, $15.00. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-688-15334-8
The Just Desserts Club
Johanna Hurwitz
Illustrated by Karen Dugan
Sixth-grader, Cricket Kaufman, is bored. She's bored with summer vacation. She's bored without her friends around and she's especially bored with the zucchini that has suddenly overflowed in her family's kitchen. Resolving to put an end to the monotony, Cricket decides to make the most of the zucchini situation by using her resourcefulness and finding some incredible dessert recipes that use the plentiful vegetable. As the year goes on, Cricket and her friends delight in finding the most unique recipes for special occasions. In fact, they form a cooking club. There is only one requirement: just desserts are allowed. Hurwitz has combined likable characters with an easy-to-read, well-paced story. She has also included the scrumptious, easy recipes for the treats cooked up by Cricket and her friends for readers to try at home (with parental supervision, of course.). 1999, Morrow, Ages 8 to 10, $16.00. Reviewer: Trina Heidt
ISBN: 0-688-16266-5
A Llama in the Family
Johanna Hurwitz
Illustrated by Mark Graham
A young Vermont family purchases a strange-looking woolly animal. When Adam sees this big surprise, he momentarily forgets how badly he wants a new mountain bike. Ethan Allen, the llama, soon becomes the star of his mother's business, Fine Llama Treks. Many adventures ensue: show-and-tell at school, a birthday party, and the brief disappearance of April, Adam's four-year-old sister. What does Adam do when faced with a choice between getting a bike and his four-hoofed friend's happiness? Find out in this thoroughly engaging book with fun facts about llamas tucked inside the story. 1994, Morrow, Ages 8 up, $14.00 and $3.50. Reviewer: Barbara B. Disckind
ISBN: 0-688-13388-6
ISBN: 0-590-54424-1
Ozzie On His Own
Johanna Hurwitz
Illustrated by Eileen McKeating
Ozzie Sims is a nice boy who lives in a friendly community with a loving family. He busies himself collecting coins, writing letters to his best friend, and running errands for his elderly neighbor. Ozzie's summer project is to fix-up a chicken coop to create a clubhouse for his friends in the neighborhood. Suddenly, Ozzie's summer fun is interrupted when his Dad has a heart attack. While Ozzie is coping with his father's illness, he realizes that his parents are older than those of his friends. Happily, Ozzie is reassured that there will always be someone there to look after him. A well-written story that portrays a modern family in a realistic, positive way. 1995, Morrow, Ages 8 to 13, $15.00. Reviewer: Karen White
ISBN: 0-688-13742-3
Rip-Roaring Russell
Johanna Hurwitz
Illustrations by Lillian Hoban
Russell is four, going on five. His baby sister Elisa seems to get all of the attention at Russell's expense. For example, because she needs to be warm and dry, Russell misses the Columbus Day parade. Russell does include her in an impromptu parade around the block another day; even their wheelchair bound neighbor joins the parade. Other chapters address Russell making friends in nursery school, trying Chinese food and staying up late. Each chapter stands alone as a read-aloud for younger children, or the book can be read as a whole by kids ready for more. 1997 (orig. 1983), Morrow/Puffin, Ages 5 to 10, $16.00, $3.99 and $4.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-688-02347-9
ISBN: 0-688-16664-4
ISBN: 0-14-038729-3
ISBN: 0-14-032939-0
Russell Rides Again
Johanna Hurwitz
Illustrated by Lillian Hoban
The irrepressible Russell Michaels is back in this collection of six related stories. On the first day of kindergarten, Russell and best friend Jeremy switch identities in a prank that misfires. Little sister Elisa is finally old enough to have friends of her own visit, which turns into torment for her brother. Russell becomes a greedy monster on his birthday, but learns how to repair friendships the monster almost ruined. As the title suggests, one birthday present is a new bike, but riding a two wheeler isn't as easy as it looks. Hurwitz beautifully captures the spirit of a five-year-old. 1998 (orig. 1985), Puffin/Morrow, Ages 5 to 9, $16.00 and $3.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-14-038842-7
ISBN: 0-688-16665-2
Russell Sprouts
Johanna Hurwitz
Illustrated by Lillian Hoban
Six-year-old Russell is a friendly, clever, likable, and easy-to-relate-to boy. He lives with his family on the second floor of a New York City apartment building. He gets hand-me-down clothing from his friend Teddy, who is older and lives on the seventh floor. But when Russell's grandmother gives him a too-big red slicker, Russell hands it up to Teddy. At Halloween time, Russell is embarrassed to wear a tiger costume to school because a friend will recognize the striped pajamas from a sleepover. Always resourceful, Russell borrows an old tie and briefcase from his father and dresses as a daddy. When report card time rolls around, Russell gives his parents poor grades for "TV," "cookys," "Presnts," "Bed Time," and "Yellng." They promise to improve at home and he promises to raise his hand instead of shouting out answers in school. Hurwitz writes about Russell's everyday childhood experiences in an endearing and realistic way that is sure to encourage beginning readers to want more. 1999 (orig. 1987), Beech Tree, Ages 6 to 8, $16.00 and $4.95. Reviewer: Julie Steinberg
ISBN: 0-688-07165-1
ISBN: 0-688-16667-9
School's Out
Johanna Hurwitz
Illustrated by Shelia Hamanaka
Lucas Cott is worried that his summer will be ruined when he learns that his mother has hired a French baby-sitter to take care of him and his two-year-old twin brothers. It contains amusing and insightful observations of this grade schooler's everyday life. Garden State Children's Book Award. 1991, Morrow, Ages 7 up, $12.95 and $3.50. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-688-09938-6
ISBN: 0-590-45053-0
Spring Break
Johanna Hurwitz
Illustrated by Karen Dugan
This book continues the series of Cricket Kaufman and her friends Zoe, Sara Jane, Lucas, and Julio during the spring of their fifth-grade year. Cricket is terribly disappointed when she breaks her ankle and is unable to visit Washington with Zoe and her family. Preparing herself to be miserable, she is surprised when her spring break does not turn out to be the disaster that she had anticipated. Readers will enjoy the story's funny moments and likeable characters. 1997, Morrow Junior Books, Ages 7 to 12, $15.00. Reviewer: Tim Whitney
ISBN: 0-688-14937-5
ISBN: 0-688-16672-5
Starting School
Johanna Hurwitz
Illustrated by Karen Dugan
Identical twins Marcus and Marius Cott enter kindergarten much to their long-awaited delight. Their older brother has taught them well, and they are looking forward to all the fun they can have in school. The boys are smart and rambunctious and cause their teachers to grumble in the Teachers' Lounge. This is a comic tale of unrealistic expectations and mistaken identities and will be enjoyed by many readers on that level. Teachers will be delighted by this book's potential in illustrating point of view. Both boys have their chance to tell the story as do their teachers. Author Hurwitz can juggle this parade of narrators without losing the story thread because of her own writing mastery. Not her funniest work, nor her most memorable, but certainly an entertaining read for children. And potentially a valuable work for their teachers of writing as well. 1998, Morrow, Ages 7 up, $15.00. Reviewer: Judy Katsh
ISBN: 0-688-15685-1
Updated 1999
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