Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is a writer with more than one hundred books to her credit. She also has written short stories, poetry, and an advice column. For six hours nearly everyday, she sits in her writing chair and hones her craft. While writing is her passion and provides her livelihood, it requires discipline and hard work. Ideas may float around for years and sometimes a knotty problem in the plot proves to be a stumbling block. Works in progress fill binders which Phyllis likes to keep to about eight, given the limitations of her workspace. Other notebooks are filled with ideas, paragraphs and other fodder that may eventually find its way into one of her novels.
Among her best known works are the Alice books and the Shiloh trilogy, but as Phyllis notes-"I have written in every genre except sports and science fiction"-and from our conversation, I know that she has an idea for one of these and it isn't sports. The Shiloh books have made it possible for Phyllis to do something really wonderful. She has established, through the international human rights orgainzation, PEN, The Phyllis Naylor Working Writer Fellowship.
2001 was the first year that the $5,000 fellowship was awarded. It was given to Gregory McNamee, an author of middle grade and young adult fiction, who has not yet attracted a broad readership. The award is designed to go to a writer who has published at least two but no more than three books during the last ten years that have been recognized for their literary merit but have not generated sufficient income to support the author. McNamee's book Hate You was a Delacorte Prize honor book and also was selected as an ALA Best Book. His newested work Ota Benga's Dreams will be published next year. Candidates are nominated by an editor or fellow writer.
Since writers tend to work alone without much support, Phyllis felt that this fellowship would provide not only a morale boost, because a panel of respected judges selects the winner, but also a bit of financial support. The money could be used for babysitters, computer equipment, travel to undertake research, or whatever the writer wishes. It is a way for one strong and successful woman to use her good fortune to nurture others who may be at a crucial point in their careers and just need a little boost.
To learn more about the fellowship call 212-334-2181 or e-mail jm@pen.org. To learn more about Phyllis, get a copy of How I Became a Writer. It is funny, filled with insights and a delight-just like Phyllis herself.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
For a conversation with Phyllis Reynolds Naylor regarding Walker's Crossing, click here.
Click here to hear an audio interview with Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
Click here to read more about Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Reviews
Anyone Can Eat Squid!
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Illustrated by Marcy Ramsey
More than anything in the world, Sarah Simpson wants "to be special somehow," instead of the "most ordinary girl on the block. The most ordinary girl in Chicago and the whole United States." Sarah's first attempts at breaking out of her ordinariness fail to have the desired results: when she trades names with another girl at school to fool their substitute teacher, she ends up with the wrong (lower) spelling grade; when she orders squid at her family's favorite Chinese restaurant, it tastes "a lot like rubber bands." Besides, anyone can eat squid! But when Sarah finds out that Wong's Restaurant is closing for lack of business, she discovers a way that she can come to the rescue, and that there is nothing more special than having the chance to help a friend. In this appealing chapter book, the launch title of the "Simply Sarah" series, veteran author Naylor once again shows her gifts at capturing and honoring childhood's small, but crucially important, triumphs and tribulations. Ramsey's gentle, lighthearted, black-and-white illustrations help usher the reader into Sarah's warm, welcoming, interracial neighborhood. 2005, Marshall Cavendish, $14.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-5182-X
Bernie Magruder and the Bats in the Belfry
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Sixth-grader Bernie Magruder is focused on discovering the reasons behind several strange goings-on in Middleburg, Indiana. The most curious of these is the appearance of the little-known Indiana Aztec bat, announced by mysterious flyers around town. The Indiana Aztec is deadly to those who disturb its nesting place, according to the flyers. And when these bats occupy the church belfry, they coincide with another part of the plot; the church bells that ring the hymn "Abide with Me" seemingly nonstop as according to the will of a rich citizen. All this takes place around the time that a very private visitor comes to stay at the hotel that Bernie's Dad manages and where Bernie's family lives. Bernie and his two friends try to piece together this mysterious puzzle on their own. Between the bells driving the town crazy and the bats' presence scaring everyone, this story is full of creativity--from Bernie to the author herself. Despite the overwhelming number of characters, including those who unnecessarily go by different names, Bernie's problem-solving adventure is sure to give young readers chills, and will probably even make them laugh out loud. 2003, Simon and Schuster, $16.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Cherie Ilg Haas (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
•The Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery of 2003; Mystery Writers of America; United States
ISBN: 0-689-85066-2
Bernie Magruder and the Case of the Big Stink
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Bernie Magruder and his family live in the Bessledorf Hotel. Mr. Magruder is the manager and the family wants to be sure that the hotel is safe and well run so that their dad will not be fired. One day, Bernie's sister, Delores, comes home from the parachute factory, Middleburg's main employer. She has been gassed. The police suspect that the crazy gasser lives at the Bessledorf Hotel. Bernie, Georgene and Weasel decide to find the culprit. They devise a plan to investigate each of the residents to be sure that the hotel is not hiding the crazy gasser. When the next attack occurs, the police inspector reenacts the crime. Suddenly the door opens and Hildegarde comes in with her mop and bucket. They found the gas but not the gasser. When Bernie and his friends discover the Mad Gasser in the hotel, they are held hostage. Using Morse code they signal where they are and who is the real Mad Gasser. The whole thing is a scheme to shut down the parachute factory and extort money. Bernie and his friends are real heroes. They save the parachute factory and Dad's job as the hotel manager is secure.
2001, Aladdin Paperbacks, Ages 8 to 12, $4.99. Reviewer: Karen Werner
ISBN: 0-689-84128-0
Bernie Magruder and the Disappearing Bodies
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Bodies appear-and then disappear-from the Hotel Bessledorf, where Bernie lives with his father, who manages the hotel, and the rest of his family and assorted animals. Determined to get to the bottom of the odd appearances and disappearances and to save his family from being evicted from the hotel, Bernie enlists his friends Georgine and Weasel to help solve the mystery. Seamless writing, strong characters and humor are the hallmarks of Ms. Naylor's book, a featured selection of the Children's Book of the Month Club. Other welcome reprints of books featuring Bernie Magruder include Bernie Magruder and the Case of the Big Stink and Bernie Magruder and the Haunted Hotel. 2001 (orig. 1986), Aladdin Paperbacks/Simon & Schuster, Ages 8 to 12, $4.99. Reviewer: Valerie O. Patterson
ISBN: 0-689-84127-2
Boys in Control
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
The Hatford boys and the Malloy girls are at it again, though their devilish pranks and attitudes are beginning to show signs of softening. Josh Hatford and Eddie Malloy are even practicing baseball together and Wally thinks it might not be too bad to have Caroline help him out at the yard sale his mother is organizing. There is still plenty of room for fun and blackmail, though, especially when the girls find some very embarrassing photos of the boys. Imagine the possibilities! Naylor's own photographic memory once again perfectly captures the sentiments of the middle child who seems put upon by all sides, the youngest boy eager to do the literal bidding of his big brothers and pre-adolescents, who are still dismayed and disgusted by the opposite sex. Boys in Control is a fun, quick read that will keep series fans laughing and blushing right along with their favorite characters. 2003, Delacorte, $15.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-385-32740-4
Boys Rock!
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Publishing a neighborhood newspaper will count as three books on their summer reading list so Wally's older brothers rope him into helping them with their project. And if this isn't annoying enough, his brothers figure there's so much work they'll have to ask the Mallory girls to go in with them. This is just what Wally needs--a summer working with those annoying neighbors. Especially weird Caroline, an aspiring actress whose news stories are always a little off the mark. But there might be a scoop; the owner of the bookstore has promised that Wally that he will be the first know to about the odd scratching sounds coming from underneath the bookstore floor. But will the scoop be in time for the final edition of their Hatford Herald? This latest episode in the always contentious lives of the Hatford boys and the Mallory girls is a quick and entertaining read for both boys and girls. 2006, Delacorte Press/Random House, Ages 8 to 12, $15.95. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen
ISBN: 0-385-73140-X
ISBN: 0-385-90172-2
Carlotta's Kittens and the Club of Mysteries
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Illustrated by Alan Daniel
When Carlotta returns to the loft at Murphy's garage with her litter of kittens, the other members of the club offer to help raise them. But the cats soon discover that raising kittens is not easy work. They get distracted while learning survival skills and are awake when they should sleep. The cats are also determined to find homes for the kittens before they are discovered by humans and taken to the pound. Texas Jake, one of the cats, tells everyone what would happen if kittens were at the pound for a couple of weeks, "if no one adopted them, they'd slip them a needle, and zap. Gone." Then, on an outing one day, the youngest kitten is kidnapped by the river rats. A daring rescue is planned and completed, and a wonderful home is found for all the kittens. Each cat has a distinct and vivid personality. Their conversations are often humorous. Although it is light fantasy, Naylor introduces some serious topics such as animal overpopulation in this third book in the series. 2000, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Ages 7 to 10, $16.00. Revieweer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-689-83269-9
Girls Rule!
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
It's almost time for summer vacation but not before more antics between the Hatford boys and the Malloy girls. This time they need to earn money for a local hospital fundraising drive, and they discover they can earn more together than separately. Along the way, there are bullies, parade floats, birthday party dramatics--but still no decision on whether the Malloys are really going to leave the town of Buckman for good. Little Peter is as endearing as ever, Caroline has her heart set on sitting next to the Strawberry Queen, and Wally is a deliciously true-to-life boy. Comparing himself to the hero of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet, Wally decides he too could survive with a hatchet and a tent as long as he also had ten jars of peanut butter. Wally and Caroline's teacher uses the Hatchet theme for a survival project at the end of the school year that adds some interesting diversions to the narrative and might give some good ideas to real teachers. The back pages of Girls Rule! include a helpful synopsis of all the titles in the Hatford-Malloy series. 2004, Delacorte Press, $15.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
The Malloy girls and Hatfield boys are at it again! The local bank is sponsoring a competition for the school. Students who collect twenty dollars or more for the new pediatric wing of the Buckman Hospital will be able to choose between two great prizes during the town's upcoming Strawberry Festival. They can either enjoy all the strawberry treats they want, or they can have a spot in the parade. Ever since she heard about the festival, attention-loving Caroline Malloy has been trying to think of a way to get on the Strawberry Queen's float. This contest seems to be just the ticket! Sisters Beth and Eddie are also interested in being part of the parade, as are three of the four Hatfield boys. Even the youngest, Peter, wants to win the contest, although not so that he can be in the parade. Instead, Peter is looking forward to eating lots and lots of strawberry treats. Now, the competition is on! At first, it's every student for him or herself, but as time rushes on, these kids had better figure out how to work together if they're going to raise the money they need in the short time available. In this tenth addition to Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's boys-versus-girls series, the Malloys and Hatfields are also struggling with uncertainty about what summer might bring. The Malloys may or may not stay in Buckman, West Virginia; if they do stay, they may have to move from their house on Island Avenue. The Hatfields may or may not welcome the return of their friends, the Bensons; if the Bensons do return, the boys may not have time for the Malloys anymore. In spite of these sometimes serious concerns, Naylor's story is consistently light-hearted, fast-paced, and realistic. 2004, Delacorte, $15.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-385-73139-6
ISBN: 0-385-90170-4
The Girls Take Over
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
The Hartford boys and the Malloy girls are at it again. In the eighth book in the saga of the two sets of siblings, the competition heats up. First, Eddie, the first girl to ever try out for the school's baseball team, and Jake are both trying out for pitcher, much to Jake's annoyance. Caroline and Wally are going head to head in the spelling bee, much to Caroline's irritation. As if that was not enough, the children then decide to have a race. Each child sends a bottle down the river. Whoever owns the bottle that goes the farthest wins. The losers become the winner's slaves. The inevitable consequence is, of course, the kids end up in all kinds of humorous trouble, including one memorable scene where they redecorate the police station. This book is a simple story, yet one that will delight preteen readers. The characters, the dialogue, and the setting are all very realistic. Naylor again shows us she is a master of entertaining young readers. 2002, Delacorte/Random House, $15.95. Ages 11 to 14. Reviewer: Heather Robertson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-385-32738-2
The Grooming of Alice
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
In this installment of the Alice saga, Alice and her friends have finally reached adolescence. During the summer between eighth and ninth grade, Alice and her two best friends, Pamela and Elizabeth, decide to get into shape. Unfortunately, Elizabeth takes their routine too seriously and develops a serious eating disorder. Alice is happily dating someone, but she does not know how to handle the new feelings she's experiencing. Her volunteer work at the hospital brings her joy as well as sorrow as she deals with a dear friend's illness. If those problems were not enough, her father wants to remarry, and Pamela moves away, causing Alice to deceive her father in a way she never has before. Naylor's Alice has always been a delightful character with issues young readers can relate to. So too with this book. All of Alice's problems resonate with authenticity. What will Alice confront next? 2000, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Ages 10 to 14, $16.00. Reviewer: Rebecca Joseph
ISBN: 0-689-82633-8
Jade Green
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Taken into her uncle's home upon her mother's death, Judith is grateful but unnerved when she is told that she can bring her possessions with one exception-"no green." Surely this can not apply to the photography of her mother, set in a green velvet frame. Hiding it in the bottom of her trunk, she adjusts well to her new surroundings almost forgetting about her one transgression until mysterious things happen. Who has been riffling through her trunk? Could it have been her cousin Charles whose behavior is either friendly or sinister? Or could it have been Mrs. Hastings, the friendly housekeeper? Or is there another presence in the house? Phyllis Reynolds Naylor has written a suspenseful and haunting tale in Jade Green.
BIBLIO: 1999, Atheneum, Ages 11 to 14, $16.00. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-689-82005-4
Shadows on the Wall
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
The author, a prolific writer of children's books, has done it again. She has created another spell binding mystery. Dan Roberts is whisked off to York, England by his parents. Why, in the middle of the school year? What is so important about taking a vacation now in England? What is it that his parents are investigating? Dan has some interesting encounters with a family of gypsies named Faw. And then he experiences some time lapses, which throw him into York's historical past. Who are the Roman soldiers that appear before him? He wonders if the old tower in the walled section of the city has something to do with him. He has many questions and seemingly no answers. He can't wait to get back to his home and high school in Pennsylvania. He sure has plenty to write about for his school assignment and his high school paper. From a schoolmate, he learned that he has just been appointed as feature editor for the high school paper. The book is the first part of a trilogy. It is quite exciting and worth reading. The remaining books of the trilogy continue Dan's adventure. As a sample of what's to come, the last couple of pages introduce the second book, Faces in the Water. 2002, Aladdin Paperbacks, $4.99. Ages 10 to 14. Rviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-84961-3
Witch Weed
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Excitement, apprehension, and suspense are what you will find between the pages of this book. Lynn and her best girlfriend--nicknamed Mouse--share a secret that is really spooky. When an old woman named Mrs. Tuggle died because her house burned down around her, Lynn's younger brother found a glass eye. This eye brings evil to all who hold or carry it. Deciding to get rid of it once and for all, Mouse and Lynn throw it in the creek hoping that is the last it could hurt anyone. Unfortunately, strange purple plants start growing along the creek just where the eye was thrown. If that is not enough to worry about, Lynn believes that some of the girls in her school are forming their own coven of witches and her best friend is being lured in. The author builds suspense on every page and uses great foreshadowing techniques. I think of this as a girl's book only because girls will be able to identify with Lynn's reasoning and thoughts. If you like a real a nail-biting story, then you have to read this book. This is the kind of book to give a young adult who does not really enjoy reading. It will definitely hook her...or him! 2004 (orig. 1991), Aladdin Paperbacks, $4.99. Ages 10 to 13. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-85381-5
Witch's Sister
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Have you ever wondered if your older sister is a witch? What would you do if she was? Lynn Morley suspects that Judith, her older sister, is being apprenticed as a witch by their neighbor Mrs. Tuggle. Lynn confides to her best friend Mouse about her suspicion. She explains all the things Judith does that make her appear to be a witch. Judith does not use a net to catch tadpoles, instead she croons to them and they swim into her hand. When Judith comes into a room, she just appears without making any noise. She keeps a broom in her room, and even has a black candle on her dresser. Lynn and Mouse commence investigating witches and Judith's strange behaviors. As the book unfolds they discover that Lynn's baby brother Stevie may be part of the plan to help Judith become a full witch. This is a fun, imaginative, and suspenseful book for young readers. It will keep readers spellbound as they seek to find out if Mrs. Tuggle and Judith really are witches. 2002 (orig. 1975), Aladdin Paperbacks, $4.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Debbie Bohn (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-85315-7
Updated 2006
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