|
|
|
Sue Macy With the Olympics due to start in a few days, I was fortunate to be able to meet with and then conduct an interview with Sue Macy. I asked her what got her started writing and she told me that in the third grade, she wrote a story (a take-off on Freddy the Pig ) and stapled it together on construction paper. Her teacher liked it. "It was an empowering experience." It is one of the tidbits that she includes in her student talks. It was such a good feeling, being able to communicate this way that she went into journalism, although she was a history major in college. She was inspired by the Watergate hearings and loved the idea of nonfiction writing. She felt that she could help right the wrongs of the world. She had an opportunity to attend a five-week summer journalism program back in the days when reporters were using manual typewriters. The teachers kept the class on its toes (I guess fingers) with constant breaking news so that the students had to write and rewrite their stories. All of this took place right after the Pentagon Papers were published. Sue may have a bit of the writer in her genes. Her mother served as editor of the Hadassah Newsletter. It was one of the professions where she felt that she could have a career and still marry and raise a family. When Sue went looking for her first job, the economy was not robust but she finally got a contact and interview through family connections. Her job entailed research for the publication of an American History text. The position required her to travel around the country seeking out original source material. What could be better than being paid for something that you love to do. She brought her material back to the person who was actually writing the text, but the book was never published and the exact reasons for its cancellation were never perfectly clear-perhaps the book was a little to liberal for the time. After this experience, Sue moved on to the development of weekly features for magazines. One such feature related to the 1980 Olympics. President Carter decided not to allow U.S. athletes to go. Sue reported on the training and the unhappiness of the potential contenders whose dreams were dashed by a political decision. Working on this and other articles intrigued Sue, but she also felt frustrated since she could rarely spend more than a week on any given topic, so the idea of a nonfiction book became appealing. Sue had worked on and off for Scholastic and while there she heard about the All American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). It was new to her and it became even more intriguing when she learned that there was an impending reunion of the players. In reality, Sue didn't write the book until ten years later, but she did develop several articles in between. It is a big jump from a magazine feature to a book. When a movie came out about the League, it motivated her and she finally did produce her book. Hers was the first children's book about the League. Now she is on the board of (AAGPBL). It was a great experience because the film increased public interest and also interest in her book. It was also a personal story for Sue, because she knew and understood the desire of these women to play ball and to get their story out. One of the women, Louise Arnold, left her a message "I read your book and you done good." What more could a writer hope for. Sue has been delighted with the editors and houses that she has worked with. Her first editor was Marc Aaronson at Holt. His advice to get her going on her first book was to think of it as a series of articles that in essence make up the book. He was also enthusiastic and extremely supportive about the topic and her work and pushed her to try her hand at fiction (Girls Got Game ). Winning Ways came about because Sue was still trying to decide what to do next, so in the meantime she produced an overview of women's sports. Although not a new topic, Marc encouraged her to take a slightly different approach by integrating strands about the players lives, times etc. into the chronology. Sue even managed to tackle that icon Barbie and get her involved in sports. A first she considered a new career for Barbie-basketball coach. However, the final decision was to make her a sports person. It was one of those books that she outlined in a weekend and then took another week to write. She made the lead character her niece who beats Barbie in the basketball game. Play Like a Girl is a photo-essay-a love letter to sports. The original idea was to use a series of sports photos and to associate poems and fiction with those photos. In the end, she used examples of girls talking about other girls in sports. It really is a nice gift for those females who have an interest in sports. She has written other books for a more adult audience, such as Women's Sports History and Game Face . Later, in a departure from the books she had created to date, Sue undertook the story of Annie Oakley in Bull's Eye. While not truly an athlete, although I would argue that she was one in her day, Annie's story is fascinating. Sue was encouraged to write the book by a friend and colleague who went from the publishing house where they both worked to become Managing Editor for Children's Books at National Geographic. Annie appealed to Sue because she was a very public person at a time when women had a very different role in life. Also, since photographs have always been important in Sue's books, what better place than National Geographic for photographs. I was fascinated to learn that Annie lived in Nutley, New Jersey not far from my home and that of Sue Macy. Sue's latest books Swifter, Higher, Faster and Freeze Frame tell the story of the summer and winter Olympics. For Swifter, Higher, Faster she went through about 90 pictures to find the one single image that graces the cover. It was the serenity and intensity of the runner that spoke to her--although the pole-vaulter was a close second. The great thing about working on this book and with National Geographic was that the process itself was totally interactive. Sue came up with ideas, searched the photo galley (more than 10,000 photographs), and decided on the layout, all in conjunction with the excellent staff. The same is true for her latest book Freeze Frame, which couldn't be a better title for a photographic history of the winter Olympics. The title carries so many meanings and the pictures really do capture some wonderful moments both for the athletes and those who enjoy watching the competition. I was fortunate enought to have a follow up interview with Sue just before the start of the winter Olympics this week. Sometimes we hear that atheletes are a bit superstitious--like Tiger Woods wearing red during the last round of a golf tournament. We all have our little routines and Sue she told me that while she has moved, leaving behind her view down the Hudson which included the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, she still writes from the same desk. On that desk she has worked her way through at least four generations of computers. These days she has a more bucolic view, and noted that she lives in a complex where Ozzie and Harriet lived (those under 50 probably won't get the reference). In our discussion of Freeze Frame, Sue pointed out that the spirit and tenor of the Olympic games has changed. It isn't just about sport and sportmanship and nothing made that clearer than the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kearrigan affair in 1994. The importance of winning and all the lucrative endorsements and opportunities that come with it led to Harding's involvement in an attempt to literally knock out her opponent. The other big change in winter Olympics is the addition of extreme sports, such as snowboarding, freestyle skiing and skeleton. These events have added an element of risk and danger and also have attracted a younger audience to the games. The creation of this book was also a bit of a challenge because modern photgraphic techniques have changed and there are so many more action photographs to review. It makes the work more difficult because there are so many choices, but there are some pitfalls that may not be apparent. In one case, Sue had found a perfect picture for a spread, but when the technicians tried to blow up the digital image, it lost its sharpness. On the other hand, the research on this book was a little easier because Sue had done the spadework on the Swifter, Higher, Faster and knew where the resources for pictures and other materials were located. According to Sue, the best possible situation for a writer is to be able to write what her voice and vision dictates. She is delighted with her editor who doesn't give detailed guidance but trusts her judgement. They confer when there are issues--such as the depth and detail of the index. Freeze Frame is more a collection of essays that make up the chapters of the book. It progresses through the early years where there may be only one usable photograph or artifact to a real burst of color, energy and action in the contemporary coverage. Sue's goal was to focus on the issues that were the most interesting and had the greatest impact on the Olympics. That is the way the book is written and it does that job quite well.
Sue now spends 70% of her time on books and has been a self-employed writer for the last seven years. In between, she augments her income with school and conference appearances and other writing and editing assignments. The most recent was a six month stint at National Geographic filling in for someone who had gone on maternity leave. Her plans for a book about Nellie Bly, another female role model who was well ahead of her time, were put on hold as a result. Part of the book has been written and readers will learn tht Nellie had an amazing skill as an interviewer. It is also interesting to note that both Annie and Nellie lost their fathers at an early age, so there were no males present in their early childhood. They both grew up in homes of modest means.
For more information, visit Sue at www.suemacy.com.
Reviews Bulls-eye: A Photobiography of Annie Oakley ISBN: 0-7922-7008-8
Girls Got Game: Sports Stories and Poems ISBN: 0-8050-6568-7 Play Like a Girl: A Celebration of Women in Sports Swifter, Higher, Stronger: A Photographic History of the Summer Olympics A Whole New Ball Game
During World War II, the nation followed the athletic feats of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which played from 1943 to 1954. This fascinating history includes numerous photographs that give a sense of the women's personalities and prowess. 1993, Puffin, Ages 10 up, $14.95 and $4.99. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-8050-1942-1 ISBN: 0-14-037423-X Winning Ways: A Photohistory of American Women in Sports ISBN: 0-805-04147-8 added 2/07/06
|
Macy draws liberally from Oakley's own writings as well as reports from the times to detail the exciting life of this strong woman who has become an American myth. We follow her from her difficult childhood, when she learned to shoot to help feed her family after the death of her father, through to her triumph and fame in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, her marriage, and her retirement. Her achievements were truly remarkable for her time. The photographs, printed with brown ink, many full page, add visually to our understanding. While most portray Annie in action, some offer scenes of cities or other people who played significant roles. The jacket, with an arresting photograph of Annie on the front, covers a handsome cover of cloth and "leather" with a bull's eye in the center. There is an author's note about her research and a list of resources. 2001, National Geographic Society, Ages 10 to 16, $17.95. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature)
Freeze Frame: A Photographic History of the Winter Olympics
Sue Macy
Better than gym class/better than
recess/better than pizza for lunch...my jump shot/as it drops/through the
net/with a swish." So reads a poem by Christa Champion, a multi-sport
coach and player. This collection of poetry and short stories celebrates
girls' skill and power as athletes along with the discrimination and
challenge that seems to plague their every effort. Ruthie, pushed to run
by her track star mother, really just wants to block and tackle on the
football team. Amanda is "having the quits" about the synchronized
swimming team, until her now frail and withered grandmother talks of her
own small cadre of swimming friends who had to battle fathers who didn't
want their daughters lifting "naked legs straight up in the air." Abbie is
faced with a tetherball championship against a boy who had taught her all
she knew and has become her first summer love. Each story or poem has been
written by women who are both athletes and writers, but who are better
known as one or the other--Virginia Euwer Wolff, Lucy Jane Bledsoe, Pat
Connolly. In every story, the overwhelming impact of sport rings
through--"We were only completely comfortable when we stopped thinking and
stopped comparing, and just immersed ourselves in the beauty and art of
sport." 2001, Henry Holt, $15.95. Ages 9 to 15. Reviewer: Karen Leggett
(Children's Literature)
Women's athletics are
enjoying a renaissance. With many highly publicized success stories, such
as the WNBA, USA Women's Gold Medal Softball team, soccer standout Mia
Hamm, and many others, female sports stars are enjoying perhaps
unprecedented attention, adulation, and media exposure. This colorful
book, filled with impressive photos, celebrates women athletes. It
contains thoughtful quotes from female sports figures and writers
describing athletics in often lyrical fashion. "Every time, just before I
take off in a race, I always feel like I'm in a dream," said Toni Cade
Bambara. Madeline Blais is quoted as saying, "When you're losing, like
tonight, it's over in seconds, a sudden skid on glare ice." With its
poetic, almost ethereal style, this book will not be for everyone. But it
does live up to its title--celebrating women in sports. 1999, Henry Holt,
Ages 10 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Bruce Adelson, J.D. (Children's Literature)
Though subtitled "A Photographic
History of the Summer Olympics," this attractive book contains plenty of
information as well. Anyone who loves sports, and especially the Olympics,
will be fascinated by the account of the Games' founding by wealthy
Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin and the story of the first modern Olympics
in 1896. Especially compelling are the well-written chapters on the
struggles of female athletes to be included (Coubertin thought women
should be delighted to provide applause for male winners) and on the part
politics has played in the history of the games. The author does not
ignore the problems of drugs and other cheating, but stresses the joy of
accomplishment and the sacrifices some athletes have made for others.
National Geographic always does a terrific job with photographs and Macy's
choices live up to their standard. From black-and-white glimpses of
earlier athletes and sites to striking color close-ups of modern
competitors, scenes of tense and triumphal moments, and views of posters,
mascots, and medals, these photos invite poring over. A wonderfully
informative final section includes a map of all sites, statistics on the
number of countries participating, events included, and even the oldest
and youngest winners over the years. "Olympic Snapshots" hits the
highlights of each Olympiad from 1896 to 2000, listing the sites for 2004
and 2008 (Beijing). Whether reading about the personal struggles of diver
Greg Louganis or admiring the stunning blue and white poster for the
Munich games, young sports-lovers will find this handsome volume
irresistible. 2004, National Geographic, Ages 12 up, $18.95. Reviewer:
Barbara L. Talcroft 
For twelve seasons between 1943 and
1954, teams in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
thrilled fans throughout the Midwest and East playing fast-paced,
competitive baseball. This history makes it clear that the woman who
played these games were, without a doubt, talented, serious athletes. From
its beginnings during World War II to its demise eleven years later, the
League's history is placed skillfully and deliberately in the context of
the times, including acknowledgement that "Although there were outstanding
African-American woman ball players in the United States, none were
invited to try out for the new league." The text includes reminiscences by
women who played in the league and statistics on individual players and
teams, while black and white photos sprinkled throughout show life both on
and off the field. Wisconsin readers will especially enjoy references to
teams such as the Milwaukee Chicks, Kenosha Comets and Racine Belles. CCBC
categories: Historical People, Places And Events. 1993, Henry Holt, 142
pages, $14.95. Ages 11-14. Reviewer: CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book
Center Choices, 1993)
This review was
written to address the first four titles published by a new imprint at
Scholastic: Polaris. This imprint is dedicated to publishing excellent
nonfiction in paperback editions, works which tell about our history. The
age range is listed as 10 and up, which experienced teachers and
librarians can read as ideal for middle school, and something to be
considered for less capable readers in high school. You must all be
familiar with at least some of these award-winning books, especially
Myers' biography of Malcolm X. Dash's book tells of a specific strike, but
in the context of immigration, labor, and urban problems at the turn of
the century: it's a good portrait of the situation of working women during
that important time in "the people's history." Winning Ways uses a
wonderful array of photos to illustrate the text -- the struggle women
have had to use their bodies in the enjoyment and competition of sports.
Well-meaning school administrators, psychologists, clothing designers, and
doctors have offered all kinds of expert advice over the years that will
stun young readers now. The biography of Charles Lindbergh is an
introduction to the hero's life, complete with many photos and the longest
text of the four books. The kidnapping is covered; as are the
controversies surrounding his relations with the Nazis in the 1930s and
his isolationist policies. This is a worthwhile effort on the part of
Polaris, and we will review future books as they are published separately.
KLIATT Codes: J*--Exceptional book, recommended for junior high school
students. 1996, Polaris/Scholastic, 217p. illus. bibliog. index. 23cm,
$5.99. Ages 13 to 15. Reviewer: Claire Rosser (KLIATT Review, March 1998
(Vol. 32, No. 2)) 
