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.

Many times in my life I've been upset about something and said to myself, "Will this matter in two years?" Not even in two months.

I loved teaching. It was my world. I only left because I was overwhelmed with three careers - teaching, writing, and my family.

Do you all have a living room floor or a bedroom floor? Then you can write a book.

All of my books are based in some way on my personal experiences, or the experiences of members of my family, or the stories kids would tell me in school.

Outside of family, writing is essential. To me, it's like breathing.

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.