Patricia Reilly Giff

"I always start each day by writing. That's like breathing to me, I wanted to write from the first time I picked up a book and read..." says Giff.

Giff has been a reading teacher for 20 years, the educational consultant for Dell Yearling and Young Yearling books, an adviser and instructor to aspiring writers, and the author of more than 60 books for children, and has spent her entire life surrounded by books. Giff has three children.

As she visits schools and libraries around the country she speaks to her readers about her books, and about writing. Giff claims, "I have no special talent, you know. I never took a writing course before I began to write." She believes that "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."

"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 two Newbery Honors, and a Boston Globe—Horn Book Honor. Her books have been included on ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults, and Notable Children's Books lists.