From: Julie Cummins <jcummins>
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 13:51:53 -0400

I'm veering slightly off focus here but I want to share a personal experience about Virginia Hamilton.

In the fall of 1996 Susan Roman, then Exec. Director of ALSC, led a children's literature delegation to South Africa. Virginia was one of the delegates. Her presence among the group definitely added status and everywhere we visited people just adored her, even revered her. She seemed quite touched by the attention, sometimes embarrassed, but soaking up the contact with the people and the culture. She was most generous in donating dozens of copies of her books to all of the libraries we toured. Their appreciation glowed like stars in their eyes.

One particular occasion was a visit to a township public library outside of Capetown. Four storytellers told stories: one woman told Rumpelstiltskin in Xhosa (and even though we didn't understand the language, the telling was simply delightful); and another woman told
"The Taily-Po" from Virginia's The People Could Fly. You could see how moved and touched she was. I'm sure the South African people who were there that day are still telling the story of "when Virginia Hamilton came to visit.!"

On a stint to Kruger Park, Virginia shared a chalet with Beth Greggs and myself. We got to see the behind-the?me Virginia, the one who could dish the dirt with the best of us and whose nightly phone calls to Arnold were funny, warm, and loving.

What wonderful memories all of us have from that trip, made even more special by having Virginia with us. Her South African reception was such a testimony to the significance of her work and what it means to people world-wide.

One of my favorite books of hers, that hasn't been previously mentioned, is Willie Bea and the Time the Martians Landed. Willie Bea is a child that spoke to me. Thanks for allowing me to share this story.

Julie Cummins
Received on Fri 20 Sep 2002 12:51:53 PM CDT