Bob Edwards Weekend (June 27-28, 2015)

 

HOUR ONE:

As an ex-felon, writer Jack Gantos might have seemed like an odd choice to win the 2012 Newbery Medal, the most prestigious award in children’s literature.   But Gantos has been writing acclaimed books for young people for years, including his popular Joey Pigza series.  Now he’s written two novels Dead End in Norvelt and the sequel From Norvelt to Nowhere.  Gantos talks with Bob about these two almost-but-not-quite true books, as well as his own surprising tales from his unusual past.

 

HOUR TWO:

Today we offer a collection of conversations with some of the biggest names in children’s literature.  Bob talks with writer Kate DiCamillo whose young adult novels have been honored with some of the genres most prestigious awards, including the Newberry Medal for The Tale of Despereaux.  Then Bob visits with British author Neil Gaiman.  He’s the author of many award-winning books, including Coraline and The Graveyard Book, which follows the story of young Nobody Owens who lives, where else – in a graveyard.

Next up is Daniel Handler, better known as Lemony Snicket, the author of the popular “children’s” tales A Series of Unfortunate Events. Then Bob talks with Irish writer Eoin Colfer about his famous series of Artemis Fowl books.

Beloved writer Judy Blume has been the voice of young people’s literature for over 40 years.  The author of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, the Fudge books, and many others, Blume has added screenwriter to her resume.  Based on her 1981 novel, Tiger Eyes follows a young woman forced to cope with the aftermath of her father’s murder.