Richard Peck English teacher turned author

1. Richard PeckEnglish teacher turned author Amy Yarbrough FRMS 7331 July 14, 2008 Author Study

2. Who is Richard Peck? • Born on April 5, 1934, in Decatur, Illinois • Bachelor’s degree in English from DePauw University • Served in the US Army • Master’s degree from Southern Illinois University • Taught junior high and high school English • Adjunct professor with Louisiana State University’s School of Library and Information Sciences • Currently lives in New York City Richard Peck’s senior picture

3. Who is Richard Peck? • Written approximately 35 novels for young adults • Awards • 1977: Edgar Allan Poe Award, Best Juvenile, Are You in the House Alone? • 1990: Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in young adult literature • 1990: ALAN Award • 1991: University of Southern Mississippi Medallion • 1999: National Book Award finalist: Newberry Honor, A Long Way from Chicago • 2001: Newberry Medal, A Year Down Yonder • 2001: National Humanities Medal • 2004: Jeremiah Ludington Memorial Award • 2005: ALAN Award

4. Why Does Richard Peck like to read and write? I read because one life isn't enough, and in the page of a book I can be anybody; I read because the words that build the story become mine, to build my life; I read not for happy endings but for new beginnings; I'm just beginning myself, and I wouldn't mind a map; I read because I have friends who don't, and young though they are, they're beginning to run out of material; I read because every journey begins at the library, and it's time for me to start packing; I read because one of these days I'm going to get out of this town, and I'm going to go everywhere and meet everybody, and I want to be ready.

5. For further information, check out the following links: • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Peck • http://www.carr.org/mae/peck/peck.htm • http://www.embracingthechild.org/apeck.html • http://www.carolhurst.com/authors/rpeck.html • http://content.scholastic.com/browse/contributor.jsp?id=2446

6. The Teacher’s Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts Similar to many of Peck’s novels, The Teacher’s Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts is based in middle America – rural Indiana in 1904. The story begins with the death of the town’s teacher, Ms. Myrt. Russell Culver hopes that this will put an end to school and he will be free from formal education. Despite his wishes, his worst nightmare comes true – his sister, Tansy, is now the new teacher! The Teacher’s Funeral follows Russell and his friends, as well as Tansy and her attempt to mature and gain control of her students in a one-room schoolhouse. This novel truly reflects its’ title – it is a real comedy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading yet another masterpiece by Richard Peck. His style is so easy to follow, and he references historical events in an entertaining fashion. The Teacher’s Funeral is not just for adults; it is for all ages. Oh, and please don’t let the title scare you away; Ms Myrt died peacefully in her sleep.

7. A Long Way from Chicago A Long Way from Chicago follows Mary Alice and Joey as they spend time with Grandma Dowdel in small-town Illinois. The novel covers several summers, and the backdrop is the Great Depression. Although the word “comedy” is not in the title, readers will not be able to maintain their composure – the events and excitement conjured-up by Grandma Dowdel are hilarious! A Long Way from Chicago was my first experience with Richard Peck’s writing. As the reader travels from one summer to the next, they will not be able to imagine what will happen next…the stories are incredibly imaginative and entertaining.

8. A Year Down Yonder A Year Down Yonder is the sequel to A Long Way from Chicago. Mary Alice returns to Grandma Dowdel’s, and now she actually has to attend school with the rural townspeople. Mary Alice is sent to live down-state because her family is suffering from the depression; they are unable to meet her needs. This novel is similar to A Long Way from Chicago in that Grandma Dowdel is up to her old tricks again. Despite her unpredictability, Grandma Dowdel warms the hearts of people she meets, and Mary Alice is able to learn a thing or two. I Love this book! With history being my absolute favorite subject, I found this novel to be entertaining and accurate. It would be a wonderful addition to a history curriculum.

9. Classroom Strategy Throughout A Year Down Yonder, the townspeople refer to a section in The Piatt County Call (newspaper) called “Newsy Notes from Our Communities.” This section is a typical small town gossip column. In order to continue the newspaper theme and predict what will become of Mary Alice, students will create their own “Newsy Notes” column. In order to adequately reference previously read information, students should have access to a Venn Diagram or character drawing. This strategy will not only allow students to showcase their knowledge, but also integrate writing skills into reading. Prepare a wedding announcement or a regular announcement for the newspaper. Each student will need to provide information about Mary Alice. Include the following information: Mary Alice’s life after she returned to Chicago, education, employment history, civic/volunteer involvement, friends who may have attended her wedding, what she plans to do now that she is married, family updates (her parents, Joey, and Grandma Dowdel). Students should refer to their Venn Diagram when making decisions for the character. Students will be told that their work will be “published” in a classroom newspaper for visitors to see. They will also be provided with a rubric that details what the instructor expects and what is required to do for a specific grade.

10. References http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Peck http://www.carr.org/mae/peck/peck.htm http://www.embracingthechild.org/apeck.html http://www.carolhurst.com/authors/rpeck.html http://content.scholastic.com/browse/contributor.jsp?id=2446 http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0geu.RhvXpI80gANEtXNyoA?ei=UTF-8&p=richard%20peck&fr2=tab-web&fr=yfp-t-501