"Dear Mr. Philbrick, Why did you decide to become a writer for kids? Did you apply for other jobs but couldn't get them?"
Nelveena J., age 12
Rodman Philbrick was the award-winning author of more than fifteen detective and suspense novels when, inspired by the lives of a couple of kids in his neighborhood, he decided to write a story for young adults. 'Freak The Mighty' has been read by millions of school children and was adapted into a feature film, 'The Mighty'.
When an editor suggested that writing for kids would change his life, the hard-boiled detective writer scoffed. And then the letters began to arrive.
You'll laugh (guaranteed) you'll cry (maybe, if you're slicing onions), but most of all you'll be amazed by what the kids had to say, and how it changed the author's life.
Rodman Philbrick's latest novel, 'The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P.Figg' won a Newbery Honor in 2010.
"What a novel consideration! Actually listening to students . . . their perspectives, their questions, their thinking. Consider the benefits of a word from our sponsors -- at the most, we'd garner keen educational insights. At the least, much needed levity for much maligned educators."
Anne E. Cobb, National Literary Consultant
