Margaret Peterson Haddix captivated students at Cherrington Elementary by talking about how she came up with the ideas for some of their favorite books.
Acclaimed author Margaret Peterson Haddix visited with fourth and fifth grade students at Alcott, Cherrington and Wilder elementary schools this week, sharing her journey and talking about her love of reading and writing. She grew up on a farm near Washington Court House and graduated from Miami University (of Ohio) with degrees in English/journalism, English/creative writing and history. Before her first book was published, she worked as a newspaper copy editor in Fort Wayne, Indiana; a newspaper reporter in Indianapolis; and a community college instructor and freelance writer in Danville, Illinois.
She has since written more than 35 books for kids and teens. Her talks in the Westerville elementary schools were focused mostly on four titles – The Girl with 500 Middle Names, Because of Anya, Say What?, and Dexter the Tough. Haddix’s books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and numerous state reader’s choice awards. They have also been translated into more than 20 different languages.