Frances O'Roark Dowell
Frances O'Roark Dowell
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Frances O'Roark Dowell is an American author of children's and young adult fiction.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on September 14, 1948. (Current status: alive)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American author, writer, and educator
Early Life and Background
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Frances O'Roark Dowell grew up in a family of modest means, but her love for reading and writing was encouraged from an early age by her parents. She spent much of her childhood outdoors, exploring the woods and creeks near her home in Virginia, experiences that would later influence her writing.
Dowell received her Bachelor's degree from Hollins College (now Hollins University) and went on to earn a Master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Before becoming a full-time writer, she taught English at the high school level for several years.
Major Accomplishments
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Throughout her career, Dowell has achieved numerous awards and recognition for her writing, including:
Newbery Honor Medal for _Dolphin Jumping_ (1992)
Christopher Award for _Penny Dreadful_ (2003)
American Library Association Notable Book citation for _The Secret Language of Girls_ (2004)Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Dowell's most notable works include:
_Between Mom and Me_ (1986) - a collection of short stories about mother-daughter relationships
_Dolphin Jumping_ (1991) - a novel that explores themes of family, friendship, and growing up
_Penny Dreadful_ (2003) - a mystery novel for young adults
* _The Secret Language of Girls_ (2004) - a novel about the complexities of female friendships
Dowell's writing often explores themes of identity, family relationships, and self-discovery in adolescence.
Impact and Legacy
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Frances O'Roark Dowell's contributions to children's and young adult literature have been significant. Her stories offer nuanced portrayals of adolescent life, tackling difficult issues with sensitivity and humor. As a result, her books have become beloved by readers worldwide.
Dowell has also been recognized for her commitment to supporting emerging writers through writing workshops and conferences.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Frances O'Roark Dowell is widely quoted and remembered for her insightful explorations of adolescent life. Her writing offers a unique perspective on the complexities and challenges of growing up, resonating with readers of all ages.
Quotes by Frances O'Roark Dowell
My dad, who my mom always refers to as DH for Darling Husband, was protrayed as a ‘let’s look on the bright side of things’ kind of guy, the pillar my everbumbling mother leans on in times of distress.
Perhaps you'll apprentice to a healer when you're older," Grete suggested. "I'd say you have the gift for it."Hen reddened, then seemed suddenly fascinated with a speck on her shoe. "Be nice to have a gift for something," she said after a moment. "But they don't let girls apprentice, now, do they?"Grete harrumphed. "A bunch of fools, the lot who came up with that system. You lose half the world's brainpower that way.
My dad, who my mom always refers to as DH for Darling Husband, was protrayed as a 'let's look on the bright side of things' kind of guy, the pillar my everbumbling mother leans on in times of distress.
I like your mama,' Trena tells me. 'She seems like good people.''Smile!' my mom calls to me from across the room, and I look at her and smile. Because she is good people. And she means well, even if she does drive me crazy.
He was a big talker, someone who liked words for words' sake, the sound of them, the way you can pile them up in your mouth and make a poem if you speill them out the right way.p92