Melinda Morley

“I 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

Patricia Reilly Giff has received the Newbery Honor for Pictures of Hollis Woods and Lily’s Crossing, which is also a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Book. Nory Ryan’s Song was named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and an ALA Notable Book.

Reading and writing have always been an important part of Patricia Reilly Giff’s life. As a child, her favorite books included Little Women, The Secret Garden, the Black Stallion books, the Sue Barton books, and the Nancy Drew series. Giff loved reading so much that while growing up, her sister had to grab books out of her hands to get Giff to pay attention to her; later, Giff’s three children often found themselves doing the same thing.

Copyright © 2004 Random House, Inc. All rights reserved

If I could pick one author that I admire and want to write like, it would be Patricia Reilly Giff. Her writing is vivid and real. She can tell a great story without rambling on. She just draws readers in.

 I finished Maggie’s Door on Saturday and I actually cried at the end. I rarely cry over books. Patricia’s books are amazing. My favorites are Pictures of Hollis Woods, Willow Run, Nory Ryan’s Song, and Maggie’s Door. Wait, that’s every book of hers that I’ve read. Impossible to chose a favorite.

I can relate to Patricia, I also loved Little Women, The Secret Garden, and Nancy Drew books. And my little sister used to complain all the time that I would rather read than play. It was true. I was an addict from birth.

If you get a chance, I highly recommend her books. You won’t be sorry.Her books are like cotton candy: tasty, melt-in-your-mouth treats that you’re sad when they’re over.