Who was he?
Richard Wayne Peck was born on April 5, 1934 and is currently still alive. Richard began his career as a high school teacher, but was moved to teaching English in a junior (middle) school.
Peck did not really enjoy his actual career of teaching but he loved kids whom were that age. The kids he taught were actually his inspiration for start his carer of writing and majoring in literature. He loved hearing their stories about life inside and outside the classroom. ¨Ironically, it was my students whom taught me how to write. I thought I was hired to teach them.¨ Peck says. So, Peck quit teaching and went off to get an education in journalism and maybe even to pursue his dream of becoming an author at Depauw University in Indiana. He received a Bachelor´s degree in 1956 from Depauw. He did pursue his dream of becoming an author when his first book got published in 1972. The book was called, ¨Don´t Look and it Won´t Hurt.¨
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Before he was a writer he spent a year at Exeter University in England. In 1973 he joined the army in Germany. He wrote about his journeys during the time he was there. That was one of many inspirations for his books.
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fun Facts!
- He was a winner of the American library Associations 2001 John New berry Metal, it's top award for childrens literature (for A Year Down Yonder).
- He has wrote many books for children, young adults, and adults.
- His first novel was called "Don't look and It Won't Hurt" about a teenagers pregnancy.
- His books relate to the reader and build up there self confidence.
- His students inspired him to start writing.
- He currently lives in New York City.
- He is an author, playwright, and retired academic.
- He has written 18 novels targeted towards young teens.
- Some of the settings were in places that he grew up.
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/contributor/richard-peck