What I think of sometimes, as I read the new books - do kids really need to see such a seamy side of life? I'm in the minority, such an old woman, perhaps. I love the books that have given kids joy, that give them hope at the end. Sometimes it seems to me the books right now are very depressive.
Patricia Reilly GiffI loved teaching. It was my world. I only left because I was overwhelmed with three careers - teaching, writing, and my family.
Patricia Reilly GiffSometimes when I visit schools, kids will interview me for the school newspaper. They ask me questions and my answers tend to go on and on, and they try to write down everything I'm saying as quickly as they can. And one day, a kid holds up her hand and said, 'Do you think you could just answer 'yes' or 'no?' Aren't kids wonderful?
Patricia Reilly GiffEverything in my life affects my writing. There are no separate parts of my life.
Patricia Reilly GiffThe reasons kids get into trouble in one way or another is because - Who ever told them they were special?
Patricia Reilly GiffI want to see children curled up with books, finding an awareness of themselves as they discover other people's thoughts. I want them to make the connection that books are people's stories, that writing is talking on paper, and I want them to write their own stories. I'd like my books to provide that connection for them.
Patricia Reilly Giff