What I like most: Reading well-written sources that take me to another world for hours at a time - and being able to call that work! Also, of course, finding a gem of information that is either exactly what I was looking for, or else fits perfectly into the story in some way.

I want all my books to provoke some kind of response in the reader, to make them think something or feel something or both, and for that to become a part of them and work into their own lives.

Libraries hold the wisdom of the world and the stories of the ages - available to everyone, free of charge!

I can give advice to anyone interested in writing in one word: Read! I think it's much more important to be a reader than to be a writer!

Most writers adore their editors, and I'm no exception.

I used to sit home with my computer and write. After the Newbery, I probably spend more than half my time on the road.

I do think that part of literature's job is to comment on and participate in the social issues of the time.