Problem solving, and I don't mean algebra, seems to be my life's work. Maybe it's everyone's life's work.

I had a bad time in school in the first grade. Because I had been a rather lonely child on a farm, but I was free and wild and to be shut up in a classroom - there were 40 children on those days in the classroom, and it was quite a shock.

When I was in the first grade I was afraid of the teacher and had a miserable time in the reading circle, a difficulty that was overcome by the loving patience of my second grade teacher. Even though I could read, I refused to do so.

I was a very observant child. The boys in my books are based on boys in my neighborhood growing up.

Nothing in the whole world felt as good as being able to make something from a sudden idea.

I didn't start out writing to give children hope, but I'm glad some of them found it.

I think the best teachers had a real interest in the subject they were teaching and a love for children.