I am not a pest," Ramona Quimby told her big sister Beezus.

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

I am not a pest," Ramona Quimby told her big sister Beezus.

She was not a slowpoke grownup. She was a girl who could not wait. Life was so interesting she had to find out what happened next.

Otis was inspired by a boy who sat across the aisle from me in sixth grade. He was a lively person. My best friend appears in assorted books in various disguises.

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.

People are usually surprised to hear this, but I don't really read children's books.