From: Karen L. Simonetti <bogus_at_does.not.exist.com>
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 12:14:25 -0600

KT asked (a good, but difficult question):

Whenever I think of Russell Freedman's works, the words accessibility and immediacy keep coming to mind. Freedman's style permits a variety of readers to jump into his books and get caught in the spirit and adventure of the subject matter. The books have that "you are there" essence that today's TV and online generation is used to while cleverly hooking them into a book. So, to begin with his list of contributions would be capturing readers and expanding the possibilities of their using (and maybe getting excited about) books.

Freedman's books are fresh and invite the reader to discover more with each reading. The format is cutting edge in terms of presenting the material, yet incredibly retains an integrity in content. His ability to make biographies "cool" have influenced other writers for children. Yet, Freedman's presentations are originals that are difficult to imitate. But, certainly one of his contributions would be to inspire other authors to write non-fiction on a higher standard.

Aargh, I feel like I'm just rambling here. But, I did want to jump start some conversation. Can someone take these bits of thoughts and expound upon them in a more coherent form?

Karen Sue...who has read her fair share of awful to tolerable biographies for children





Karen L. Simonetti email: karensue at mcs.net phone: 312.337.7114
        
"Walk gently, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically."
        Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech
Received on Tue 31 Mar 1998 12:14:25 PM CST