'I learned that words are powerful'

“I think the reason I'm a writer is because first, I was a reader. I loved to read. I read a lot of adventure stories and mystery books, and I have wonderful memories of my mom reading picture books aloud to me. I learned that words are powerful.” –  Andrew Clements

Born in New Jersey on this date in 1949, Clements (who died in 2019) wrote dozens of children's books, beginning with Frindle, an ongoing favorite of kids around the world.

 

In 2016 the book won the Phoenix Award as “the best book that did not win a major award when it was published in 1996.”  Frindle gives us a different way to look at dictionaries and how words are developed and used.

 

“The dictionary is like a time capsule of all of human thinking ever since words began to be written down,” Clements said.   “Exploring where words have come from can increase your understanding of the words themselves and expand your understanding of how to use the words.”  

 

It was Clements’ use of words and his ability to “get into the personnas” he created that made him a favorite, especially among the “Tween” age group.   For a terrific read (and don’t be embarrassed about reading a kids’ book), read his compelling Things Not Seen.  It will open your eyes (no pun intended).

 

“Part of being a good fiction writer is being able to imagine how someone else is thinking and feeling,” he said.  “I think I've always been good at that.”