Paula Danziger (1944 - 2004)

Her Life

At an early age, Paula developed a sense of humor to help her get through life. She also determined that she wanted to be a writer and started "mentally recording a lot of information and observations."

In high school Paula wrote what she called "offbeat features for the school newspaper and a column in the town newspaper." Writing and publishing did a lot to bolster her self-esteem: "Someone was noticing that I wasn't a total idiot," she said. She also read and re-read J. D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye. "It set me free," she observed. "It made me feel I wasn't alone." Her other reading included A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Pride and Prejudice, Marjorie Morningstar, and Wuthering Heights.

Danziger attended Montclair State College, and during her university years met a powerful influence in her life, the poet John Ciardi. Baby-sitting for his family, Danziger was introduced to the larger world of professional writing, including the work of e. e. cummings. She borrowed liberally from Ciardi's library, and was also educated by the poet, who "read the poems and explained them, giving me a sense of language structure," Danziger noted to Feitlowitz.

Graduating from college in 1967, Danziger began working as a substitute teacher, and then as a full-time English teacher in junior high school. Teaching was not really Danziger's forte--she was strong on connecting with and inspiring her students, but disliked the tedium of correcting papers and disciplining students. After three years of teaching, she returned to university to earn a master's degree, but her studies were brought to an abrupt halt when she was rear-ended in her car one day, suffering severe whiplash. Then, several days later, going to the doctor's for treatment of this injury, she was hit head-on by another car and suffered temporary brain damage."After the second wreck, I decided I better try to write before I got hit by a bus." Recovering from her injuries, Paula was haunted by nightmares. While undergoing therapy, she began what became her first novel, A Cat Ate My Gymsuit. The novel began as part of therapeutic exercises to help Danziger work through her personal problems, and also as a way of communicating with the students she had left behind. She drew heavily on her own family experiences, and created a fictional person that is the closest to how she saw herself at that age.

Thirteen-year-old Marcy Lewis is overweight, out of synch with her parents, and unhappy in a school that stifles creativity. One of her excuses not to dress down for gym is that the "cat ate my gymsuit," and Marcy's protests remain small until she gets involved in student demonstrations to re-instate a popular English teacher unfairly fired.

When her second book was published (also about Marcy Lewis), Paula decided to give up teaching for full-time writing, but as she noted in English Journal, "Teaching was and continues to be one of the most important influences on what I do," and a constant source of material for her works.

Paula Danziger has published many more novels, several of which are aimed at the teen audience, for which many commentators believe her best works are produced. Adolescent romance and sexuality, as well as quarreling parents, are at the center of Can You Sue Your Parents for Malpractice?, "a fast-moving novel with a title to interest most teenage readers," and the book "is clever and funny," and that the "chapters rush by in a catapulting present tense."

Paula Danziger loved to write for and about kids, and kids loved her! Wherever she went, they asked her questions about her life, her books and her travels. Passionate about life, she loved to travel, see new places, meet new friends and play pinball! She was often known for "borrowing" children (only the ones she knew) for her inspiration. Her characters are so real that readers told Paula they felt as if they know them.

Danziger said about books, "For anyone who has ever felt alone--and who hasn't, in truth--a book can make a very good friend. Like a good friend, a book can help you see things a little more clearly, help you blow off steam, get you laughing, let you cry." The author continued: "I think there is so much in life that is hard and sad and difficult and that there is so much in life that is . . . joyous and funny. There's also a lot of in between those two extremes. As a writer, I try to take all of those things and put them together. That way people can say 'I know that feeling' and identify with it."

Children's author Paula Danziger passed away on July 8, 2004, following complications arising from a heart attack in June. She was 59.

Her Writings:

Marcy's life is a mess. Her parents don't understand her, she feels like a fat blimp with no friends, and her favorite teacher just got fired. Ms. Finney wasn't like the other teachers, and she was helping Marcy feel good about being herself. Now that she's gone, Marcy doesn't know what to do. She's always thought things would be better if she could just lose weight, but the loss of Ms. Finney sparks something inside her. She decides to join the fight to bring back her teacher, and in doing so, she discovers that her voice might matter more than she ever realized. With issues that still resonate strongly today and a character millions of teens have connected with, we are thrilled to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Cat Ate My Gymsuit.

Cassie's not really sure how it started, but eating pistachio nuts always makes her feel better. Whenever her parents have a shouting match, the pressure of running for freshperson class president gets overwhelming, or her beautiful (and short) sister calls her a giraffe, grabbing a handful of red nuts somehow helps. Cassie has medicine for her asthma attacks; why not have a prescription for "unhappiness attacks"? "An entertaining storyfunny, well-characterized, and loaded with popular appeal." -- Booklist an announcement that she's sure will ruin her life— the family's moving to the moon! How can they expect her to live in a place that has no atmosphere? "A mischievous spoof of a science fiction novel as well as a warm and funny saga about a teen of the future who is having severe difficulties adjusting to a family move." — School Library Journal "The story is funny and the setting intriguing in another popular title for Danziger fans." — The Horn Book

Lauren Allen's life is the pits. Bobby Taylor's just jilted her. Her ninth-grade teachers are demerit-crazy. And she has to share her bedroom with messy younger sister who wants to be a stand-up comic, while her older sister seems to get everything she wants. Between her parents, her two sisters, and school, Lauren feels she's got no rights at all.

But then Lauren takes a course, "Law for Children and Young People," and meets Zack, an eighth grader who's "nice and attractive and bright and fuuny." Suddenly Lauren realizes that there are solutions to her problems. She can protest unfair polices at school. She can stand up to the kids who call her a cradle robber for going out with Zack. And she can sue her parents for malpractice...can't she?

Marcy Lewis is thrilled when Ms. Finney asks her to be a junior counselor at a creative arts camp. Finally, she's on her own for the first time, away from family and school. It's her big chance to reinvent herself in a place where no one knows how insecure she used to be. This could be the perfect summer, but will nosy, noisy campers ruin it all?

No one wants to ride the Divorce Express. Especially Phoebe. It means she has to leave her New York City apartment and boyfriend every Sunday night to spend the week in the country with her dad. It means she has to go to ninth grade in a new school, and see her father go on dates. It's a hectic life with hardly any time to feel she really belongs with the kids in either place. Then, just when Phoebe's got a handle on juggling the pieces of her life, her mother makes a decision that will change everything again. And it could be disastrous! "Danziger's light style laced with humor will continue to attract readers." -- Booklist "The specific problems -- and seeming resiliency -- of the children of divorced parents, as well as the general concerns of young teenagers, are ably evoked....A pleasure." -- The New York Times Book Review "The author has a sympathetic eye for the ups and downs of her characters and a quick ear for adolescent conversation." -- The Horn Book

Rosie and Phoebe have been best friends ever since they met on the Divorce Express. So what could be better than having their parents fall in love and move in with each other? Rosie's especially eager to be part of a real family again, until she learns that having Phoebe as a friend and Phoebe as a "sister" are two different things.

When Rosie's mother, Mindy, criticizes Phoebe for making out in public with her boyfriend, Phoebe can't forgive Mindy. Then when the girls take a trip to Canada, Rosie falls for Phoebe's cousin and practically forgets all about Phoebe. Rosie feels confused. Phoebe feels ignored. Can this family be saved before the girls have a showdown? -

It's the year 2057 and fourteen-year-old Aurora couldn't be happier with her life on Earth--she's part of the "in" crowd, her best friend is a celebrity, and Matthew has asked her to Homecoming. But Aurora's parents have new jobs on the moon, and she and her little sister must leave their friends and schools to go with them. Aurora is sure she will hate life on the moon, because there are only 750 people in the whole colony. What if none of them is a cute boy her age?

This summer could be a disaster. Kendra's parents have invited Frank, a 15-year-old she's never met, to stay with them. And they've planned a goofy scavenger hunt for the kids, including Kendra's bratty younger brother. They have to race all around New York City and visit places like the Empire State Building and the United Nations to find answers. But once they get started, Kendra doesn't mind the scavenger hunt so much, mostly because Frank turns out to be just as interesting as all of the sights.

It's not easy being a sixth grader, particularly one with an ingenious knack for getting into trouble with his parents, teachers, and a line of picketing sixth-grade girls! Anyone who's ever spent time in time-out will appreciate the hilarious antics of this misunderstood pre-teen with a cause. Also in a fun, updated format sure to grab kids' attention! Matthew Martin hates being the youngest kid in sixth grade, but he's convinced things will get better after his eleventh birthday sleepover, if only he could make up with his best friend--and stop a line of picketing sixth-grade girls from ruining his party and his life! Brisk in style and pacing, this light-hearted offering is sure to be popular.

It's not easy being a sixth grader, particularly one with an ingenious knack for getting into trouble with his parents, teachers, and a line of picketing sixth-grade girls! Anyone who's ever spent time in time-out will appreciate the hilarious antics of this misunderstood pre-teen with a cause. Also in a fun, updated format sure to grab kids' attention! Matthew Martin is back--and this time he's planning to do an extra good job on his Egypt Unit Project. But things don't work out quite right when classmate Brian Bruno gets wrapped up in a lot of plaster gauze. Will Brian ever get out of the cast? Will Matthew ever get out of trouble? Danziger's novels are like cotton candy: they're fun and light, and children positively gobble them up.

Matthew Martin is back, along with parents who embarrass him, a sister who bosses him, and the girls in his class who torment him. Although he still cuts up with his friends, Matthew is taking life more seriously. When the class studies ecology he learns that even minute changes in the ecosystem can have lasting effects on the environment. A recycling project becomes not only interesting but important.

Matthew also finds that small changes in feelings can make a difference when he looks at his pal Jill Hudson. Why, when Jill says "Earth to Matthew," does he feel so funny?

Matthew just can't understand why his parents won't buy him the nifty computer program he wants. After all, he makes good grades and never causes any real problems. Determined to have it, he embarks upon a frenzy of fund raising. However, for an 11-year-old, earning money is not easy. When his friend Jil! suggests forming a company to sell cards that can be designed and produced on Matthew's computer, it seems to be the perfect solution. Then, when snacking, video games, and inattention threaten success, Matthew must make some decisions. Fourth in the series that began with Everyone Else's Parents Said Yes (Delacorte, 1989), this book continues to explore adolescence through a boy's point of view. Because Matthew is older now, there is less gross (but funny) food humor, and girls have changed from enemies into rather interesting creatures and maybe even friends.

Amber Brown and Justin Daniels are best friends. They've known each other for practically forever, sit next to each other in class, help each other with homework, and always stick up for each other. Justin never says things like, "Amber Brown is not a crayon." Amber never says, "Justin Time." They're a great team--until disaster strikes. Justin has to move away, and now the best friends are fighting. Will they be able to work it out before it's too late?

Kendra and her family rendezvous in London for the Christmas holidays with relatives and friends, including her long-distance boyfriend. The adults concoct a scavenger hunt in the city, providing readers with a refreshing and amusing perspective on British culture. Danziger's comfortable command of dialogue and word play animate a credible story of first love in this sequel to Remember Me to Harold Square.

It's finally summer and Amber Brown is going to London to visit her aunt Pam and then to Paris to visit with her father. She is one excited kid before she goes. And one itchy kid when she arrives. Mosquito bites, she thinks. Chicken pox, she finds out. Is her vacation completely ruined? And now that she can't go to Paris, how will she be able to convince her dad to move back home?

Amber Brown isn't entirely ready for fourth grade. She has her pens, pencils, new clothes, and new shoes. But the one thing she doesn?t have is her best friend, Justin Daniels. Justin has moved away, leaving Amber utterly best friend-less. Amber knows Justin can?t be replaced, but she is on the lookout for a new friend. Brandi seems a likely choice?but does Brandi want to choose Amber in return? Will Amber Brown go fourth, and go forth, with a new best friend?

Fourth grade is off to a shaky start for Amber Brown, so she asks her teacher for extra-credit work. The girl learns that since she has not handed in her original assignments, she doesn't qualify. She realizes she needs to work hard on her upcoming projects so her mother won't find out about her poor performance. Paralleling this school situation is the fact that Amber is coping with her parents' divorce. She engages in all sorts of antics to emphasize her displeasure with her mother's new companion, and learns that her father (living in France) has also met someone. By the end of the story, Amber realizes that life holds change, as well as the potential for happiness. With her feisty, resilient personality, she is ready for it. Line drawings decorate the narrative. Readers will laugh out loud at the child's energetic capers and feel the sense of loss she expresses.

In previous books in this popular series, Amber has seen her parents divorce and her father and best friend, Justin Daniels, move far away. Now she is firmly established in the fourth grade with a new best friend and a growing fondness for her mom's boyfriend, Max. Just for a while, Amber would like nothing more to change so that she can concentrate on the business of growing up. Then Max throws them all into a tizzy by asking her mother to marry him. Suddenly, they make an unplanned trip to Alabama to see the Daniels family so that Amber's mom can think things through. There, Justin helps Amber realize that change is a part of living. Through all the chaos, irrepressible Amber, buoyed by her loving relationship with her mother as well as her lively imagination and wonderful sense of humor, develops a growing understanding of herself and the people around her.

In the latest chapter book about Amber Brown, she is going through a growth spurt and is enjoying fourth grade, but her divorced parents are behaving like children in their telephone battles about their joint custody of her. She hates feeling split between them. She also hates, hates, hates her new haircut. She likes her mother's fiance, but she worries about her loyalty to her dad, who is coming back from Europe to live near her. The first-person, present-tense narrative gets exactly right the fourth-grader's mix of feelings, her focus on the trivial, the gross, and the essential. Readers will welcome the combination of farce and tenderness, the honesty about anger and hurt and love.

Elizabeth and Tara*Starr's junior high school world is one of corny jokes, words like "gazillion," and awkward moments (a New Year's Eve kiss happens at 12:08, and "it was sort of gross because the Chee-to in his mouth ended up in my mouth"), but it's also a world where both girls are dealing with their evolving--and sometimes derailing--families. Danziger (writing Tara*Starr's letters) and Martin (writing Elizabeth's letters) are friends in real life, and both have done a masterful job of creating the distinct, realistic, endearing voices of their characters; developing a profound, emotional, and ever-changing relationship between two young girls; and crafting a page- turning story to boot. Young readers--half-laughing, half with lump in throat--will "totally relate" to this feisty pair!

Amber Brown has two problems. When a new girl named Kelly Green enters her class, the spirited fourth grader must accept that she is no longer the only student with a colorful name. Her second dilemma is much more serious: she has been invited to spend Thanksgiving with her mother and her mother's fiance in Washington state. Her father, however, is moving back to the U.S. after living abroad and would like her to spend the holiday with him in New York. Knowing that whatever she decides will hurt someone she loves, Amber struggles with her predicament and finally settles on a thoughtful solution. A likable nine year old with much common sense, she is willing to talk about her feelings openly and honestly and her first-person narration allows readers to be privy to these thoughts and emotions.

Amber Brown loves the holidays. The shopping, the wrapping, the unwrapping. She isn't having any trouble with gifts, but life is another story. She's so happy her dad has moved back to New Jersey, but her mom isn't. It means the beginning of shared custody, and that means more fighting. Amber feels as if half of her belongs to her mom and half of her belongs to her dad, and that doesn't feel good at all.

Then her mom says she can't get her ears pierced, but her dad doesn't know that. Amber makes a decision. Something has to belong to her, so why shouldn't it be her ears?

Amber Brown wants a watch for her birthday. Maybe her best friend, Justin Daniels, should get one too. He is never on time. Will Justin be late to Amber's birthday party, or will he be just in time to watch Amber open her gifts?

Best friends Amber Brown and Justin Daniels are taking a vacation together! There's just one problem-Justin's little brother, Danny. He always wants to tag along. Can Amber find a way to make Danny go away so she can have Justin all to herself?

Amber Brown is excited to be starting second grade-and a little nervous. She's worried that the new teacher might not be as nice as she hopes. Plus, Hannah Burton is going to be in her class, and Amber knows Hannah can be mean. But on the way to school with her best friend Justin, Amber makes a decision. She is going to be ready for whatever happens. And second grade had better be ready for Amber Brown!

Amber Brown wakes up and hopes that the day is going to be perfect. She is very glad to finally be on vacation with her parents and her friend Justin, and today they are going to a county fair! The day doesn't turn out exactly as planned, but Amber finds out that sometimes an almost-perfect day can be good, too. Young readers will relish Amber's newest adventure and look forward to the next installment!

Sarah Kate Tate, otherwise known as Skate Tate, has mixed feelings about middle school. Her best friend, Susie, seems to be undergoing a sea change, causing her to hang around with a girl named Kiki ("I think that Kiki is a silly name. It sounds like a choking sound, Kiki."), dye her hair blue, and lose interest in The Happy Scrappys, the scrapbook-making club they've been in since third grade. Fortunately, Skate's favorite person in the world, GUM (Great Uncle Mort), is always helping her remember not to be afraid of what's "around the corner." But when tragedy strikes, how can Skate find the courage to go on, let alone see what's around the corner?

Amber Brown's parents just aren't acting the way she thinks parents should. Sometimes Amber's dad goes out on dates when he is supposed to be spending time with her. And her Mom went to Disneyland with Aunt Pam while Amber was with her dad (not fair!). Then Mom and Max decide to get married even sooner and move to a new house--maybe even a new town! Some kids have parents who stay together. Some kids don't have to think about moving away from their school and all their friends. Some kids seem to have no problems--and that makes Amber Brown green with envy.

Amber Brown thinks that second grade rules! But when her teacher says desks have to be kept clean, Amber knows that is one rule she cannot follow. She desperately wants the desk fairy, Deskarina, to visit her desk and leave a reward. A messy desk never bothered Amber before, but now that a treat is involved, it does. . .

. Following closely on the events in Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown, kids and teachers will applaud this hilarious take on a universal classroom issue.

Barfburger Baby isn't the only name Jonathon has for his new baby brother, Daniel. Sure, he spits up all the time, but Gasburger Baby and Snotburger Baby also fit him--for obvious reasons.

And today all the relatives are coming over to meet the baby. They make silly faces and coo at Daniel. Jonathon just doesn't get it. Why does everyone make such a big deal out of the baby? And why do they still insist on calling him his baby nickname--Jonathon Pookie Bear? He doesn't even play with Pookie Bear anymore. But he does know just where to find him, and he figures out the perfect way to pass his nickname on so he can be just Jonathon.

Amber Brown has come up with a fantastic costume, but it's a secret. She won't even tell Justin, no matter what he bribes her with.

But one thing worries Amber all day. Her parents had a fight before school. What if they don't make up before their traditional Halloween dinner (macaroni and cheese, carrots, and orange juice)? What if they are in bad moods during trick-or-treating? Halloween is one of Amber's favorite holidays, and of course this one turns out to be as wonderful as all the rest.