Nancy Willard
Nancy Willard
Full Name and Common Aliases
Nancy Willard is a renowned American author, poet, and educator known for her work in children's literature.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 5, 1931, in New York City, Willard passed away on July 20, 2017, at the age of 85.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Willard was an American author, poet, educator, and advocate for children's literature. Her work spanned multiple genres, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and education.
Early Life and Background
Nancy Willard grew up in a family that valued education and literature. Her father, James Willard, was a lawyer who instilled in her a love of words and ideas. She developed a passion for reading at an early age, devouring books from the local library and writing her own stories.
As she entered adulthood, Willard pursued higher education, earning her Bachelor's degree from Vassar College and later completing her Master's degree in English Literature from Columbia University. This academic foundation served as the basis for her future work as a writer and educator.
Major Accomplishments
Willard's literary career spanned over four decades, during which she published numerous books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Her works often explored themes related to children, education, and social justice.
Some notable publications include:
The Thing in the Pencil Case (1977), a collection of short stories that showcased her skill with narrative voice
Up on the Roof (1981), a novel about two young friends navigating the challenges of adolescence
Innocence and Experience (1990), an exploration of the complexities of growing upNotable Works or Actions
Willard's contributions to children's literature extend beyond her written works. She was also dedicated to promoting literacy and education through various initiatives.
One notable example is her involvement with the organization, "The Council on Children and Books," which aimed to foster a love of reading in young people. Her dedication to this cause helped raise awareness about the importance of early childhood education.
Impact and Legacy
Willard's impact on children's literature can be seen in several areas:
Innovative Storytelling: Willard's unique narrative style, which often incorporated elements of poetry and symbolism, influenced a generation of authors.
Promoting Literacy: Her commitment to literacy education helped create a more informed public about the value of reading and writing.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Nancy Willard is widely quoted and remembered for her insightful writings on childhood, education, and social justice. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on the literary world, and her influence can be seen in many areas:
Inspirational Voice: Willard's writing often served as a source of comfort and guidance for young readers.
* Advocate for Children's Rights: Through her work, she advocated for greater awareness about the needs and experiences of children.
Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers, educators, and advocates.
Quotes by Nancy Willard
Jean Piaget observed that scarcely any question seems absurd to a child, but he was silent on the question of absurd answers from adults.
In Jenny Offill's remarkable first novel, 'Last Things,' 7-year-old Grace Davitt watches her mother, Anna, descend into madness and tries to make sense of the claustrophobic world that Anna has created for her.
When I was growing up, I loved stories in which a girl sets out on a quest to rescue the prince instead of the other way around.
Armenian folklore has it that three apples fell from Heaven: one for the teller of a story, one for the listener, and the third for the one who 'took it to heart.' What a pity Heaven awarded no apple to the one who wrote the story down.
I haven’t a clue how my story will end, but that’s all right. When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, that’s when you discover the stars.
I haven't a clue how my story will end, but that's all right. When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, that's when you discover the stars.
If prayers worked, Hitler would have been stopped at the border of Poland by angels with swords of fire.
It used to be on the Internet no one knew you were a dog. Now not only does everyone know that you are a dog, they know what kind of a dog you are, who you run with, where you hide your bones, the accidental piddle behind the couch, the fight you got into with the boxer, and your thoughts on the hot poodle down the street.
