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June Rae Wood
I love words. Printed words. When I was four years old and my sister Shirley learned to read in first grade, I was eaten up with jealousy. I couldn't wait until I was old enough to unlock the secrets of words on the printed page. Though I became an avid reader, many years passed before I became a writer.
My first novel was rejected by numerous publishers, but when tragedy struck our family, I started a new book, The Man Who Loved Clowns, featuring "Punky," a man with Down's syndrome. My beloved brother, Richard, who died at age 35, was my pattern for "Punky," and I both laughed and cried while calling up memories of him.
Since I hadn't had much luck with publishers, I was amazed when the story sold right away and was published in 1992. Now, all these years later, I'm still amazed that the book is being read aloud in classrooms across the country. I often receive letters like this one from a fifth-grader named Taylor in Hot Springs, Arkansas: "(During) the last two chapters, I was bawling. Not only did we cry, but we laughed! Punky and Aunt Queenie were hilarious."
Taylor's teacher wrote, "I have taught The Man Who Loved Clowns for many years, and it is invariably a favorite among our students. I consider you a fellow educator, Mrs. Wood, as your books teach many lessons, including compassion, tolerance, and an awareness and acceptance of some of life's harsh realities. Your books inspire students to read more, and I love it!"
I thank God for giving me a special brother and the ability to make him "real" for young readers. I often visit schools and tell "the story behind the story" of The Man Who Loved Clowns. Please contact me for more information.
THE MAN WHO LOVED CLOWNS
Ages 10-14.
Delrita, 13, is an only child -- but not exactly. Having her uncle in the house is like having a little brother. Punky, 35, has Down’s syndrome, and although she loves him dearly, she can’t help being ashamed of him.
Hardcover
Paperback
TURTLE ON A FENCE POST
Ages 10-14.
Delrita, 14, is adrift after the death of her parents and her uncle Punky. Will she get along with her prissy aunt Queenie? Will she fall in love with Tree? Find out in this sequel to The Man Who Loved Clowns.
Hardcover
Paperback
WHEN PIGS FLY
Ages 10-14.
While chasing after her little sister with Down's syndrome, Buddy, 13, unravels the mystery surrounding 15-year-old Dallas. Though Dallas scavenges from other people's junk and he smells like dirt and mustard, he doesn't seem strange to Buddy when she learns his deep, dark secret.
A SHARE OF FREEDOM
Ages 10-14.
Smart-mouthed Freedom, 13, has had to be the responsible member of the family because her dad's not around and her mom can't leave the booze alone. Freedom learns that running away from problems doesn't solve anything.
ABOUT FACE
Ages 10-14.
The birthmark on Glory’s face has made her shy and miserable. Then she meets Marvalene, 13, who breezes into town with the carnival. Though Marvalene has selfish motives and even fakes psychic powers, she helps Glory see past the birthmark and into herself.
Hardcover
Paperback
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