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.

To me, family is everything. I want children to realize how important their families are and what a support system a family is.

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.

The reasons kids get into trouble in one way or another is because - Who ever told them they were special?

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

Anyone who has problems, or worries, anyone who laughs and cries, anyone who feels can write. It's only talking on paper... talking about the things that matter to us.

Drawing is what you see of the world, truly see...And sometimes what you see is so deep in your head you're not even sure of what you're seeing. But when it's down there on paper, and you look at it, really look, you'll see the way things are...that's the world, isn't it? You have to keep looking to find the truth.