From: barbara spears <bs0021>
Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2002 12:08:04 -0400

I refuse to lurk. I feel compelled to say a few words about Virginia Hamilton.

I can not imagine a world without her. As a beginning children's librarian, I approached Virginia Hamilton , clutching a bibliography/bookmark that I had created for the library system that I worked for. at an author event. I felt so excited to meet her, and she was most gracious and kind. During this period in my career, I think that I was in love with the work of Virginia Hamilton.

Thomas Small is one of my favorite characters in The House of Dies Drear, which is also one of my favorite booktalk books. Hamilton gives a clear picture of a station on the underground railroad and a "the hairs on the back of my neck stood up" atmosphere which she uses to create the legend, the strange old caretaker and the spooky caverns in the lower portion of the house. Unlike The Planet of Junior Brown and M. C, Higgins, The Great, which are both, fine books, The House of Dies Drear is not on nearly as many school booklists as it deserves to be.

One last word, The People Could Fly and Her Stories with illustrations by Leo and Diane Dillon make wonderful gift books for the special child who loves to read. More recently in my career, I share Virginia Hamilton's books with parents, making sure that they are aware of her great legacy.

Barbara Spears Branch Manager Prince George's County Memorial Library System Spauldings Branch
Received on Thu 12 Sep 2002 11:08:04 AM CDT