Gary D. Schmidt
Gary D. Schmidt
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Gary David Schmidt is the full name of this renowned American author, although he is often referred to simply as Gary Schmidt.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on October 14, 1957, Gary Schmidt is still active in his writing career. His birthdate marks the beginning of a remarkable journey that has taken him from humble beginnings to international recognition.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Gary D. Schmidt is an American author of children's and young adult literature. He has also taught creative writing at various institutions, including Calvin College and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a family of modest means in New York State, Gary Schmidt developed a love for storytelling through his mother's encouragement. His early life was marked by an appreciation for literature, which would later become the foundation of his writing career.
Schmidt's interest in writing was further nurtured during his college years at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was there that he began to hone his craft, laying the groundwork for the distinguished writer he would eventually become.
Major Accomplishments
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Gary Schmidt has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
Newbery Honor: In 2001, Schmidt received a Newbery Honor Award for "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy." This award is one of the highest honors in children's literature.
Printz Award: His novel "The Wednesday Wars" won the Michael L. Printz Award in 2009, which recognizes excellence in young adult literature.
Notable Works or Actions
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Gary Schmidt has written numerous novels and short stories for both children and adults. Some of his notable works include:
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy: A Newbery Honor-winning novel that explores themes of friendship, loss, and redemption.
The Wednesday Wars: A Printz Award-winning novel that delves into the complexities of adolescence during World War II.
Impact and Legacy
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Gary Schmidt's contributions to children's literature have left a lasting impact. His stories often tackle tough subjects in an accessible way, resonating with readers of all ages. Through his work, Schmidt has:
Inspired New Generation of Writers: As a writing instructor, Schmidt has mentored many aspiring authors, helping them find their voice and hone their craft.
Enriched the World of Children's Literature: His novels have expanded the boundaries of storytelling in children's literature, showcasing his versatility and depth as an author.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Gary Schmidt is widely quoted and remembered for his thought-provoking stories, which often explore complex themes and emotions. His:
Authentic Voice: Readers appreciate the authenticity of his writing style, which blends humor with depth to create relatable characters.
Capacity to Tackle Tough Subjects: Schmidt's ability to address difficult topics in an accessible manner has earned him a reputation as a masterful storyteller.
Gary D. Schmidt is more than just a celebrated author; he is a testament to the power of storytelling and its impact on readers' lives. His remarkable journey from humble beginnings to international recognition serves as inspiration for aspiring writers, while his body of work continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Quotes by Gary D. Schmidt
Mrs. Windemere always had a cup of hot coffee waiting for me. Black, which, she said, was the only way to drink it if you wanted to be awake to serve the god of Creativity.
There is no Art made without power, and there is no reason for Art to be made except for power.
It was a Saturday that you somehow knew was going to be one of the last beautiful days of fall. The sun was shining hot, like it thought it was still July, and November drizzles were a whole season away. The sky was blue and a few white clouds were easing themselves along like they didn’t care. The grass was warm and sweet, like April, but the trees hadn’t forgotten it was October. They were all on fire, and behind their leaves, the birds were singing their last songs.
That’s the Teacher Gene at work, giving its bearer an extra sense. It’s a little frightening. Maybe that’s how people decide to become teachers. They have that extra sense, and once they have it, and know that they have it, they don’t have any choice except to become a teacher.
When Mr. Ferris found out about the Broadway play, Clarence didn’t stop rocking during the whole lab.