SATA
ENTRY TYPE:
WORK TITLE: WELCOME TO THE WOOFMORE
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.donnagephart.com/
CITY: Jupiter
STATE:
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
LAST VOLUME: SATA 374
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born July 5, 1965, in Philadelphia, PA; married; husband’s name Dan; children: two sons.
EDUCATION:Pennsylvania State University, degree.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer, speaker, and educator. Taught creative writing on the high-school level. Formerly worked as an editor at a greeting-card company.
AVOCATIONS:Traveling, exploring nature, bicycling, yoga, walking, lifting weights, tennis, Scrabble.
MEMBER:Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
AWARDS:Sid Fleischman Humor Award, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and Children’s Choices selection, International Reading Association/Children’s Book Council, both 2008, both for As If Being 12 3/4 Isn’t Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President!; Voice Award, Palm Beach County Action Alliance for Mental Health, NPR’s Best Kids’ Books, New York Public Library Best Books for Kids, all 2016, Southern Book Award Winner in the Juvenile Category, 2017, all for Lily and Dunkin.
WRITINGS
Contributor to periodicals, including Family Circle, Games, Highlights for Children, Parents, Pool & Spa Living, South Florida Parenting, and Weight Watchers. Author of a blog.
SIDELIGHTS
Donna Gephart explores the triumphs and travails of adolescent life in middle-grade novels such as As If Being 12 3/4 Isn’t Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President! and Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen. A former editor for a greeting-card company, Gephart told Kidsreads.com interviewer Danica Davidson: “My writing voice falls most naturally at middle grade. Those ‘tween years are such an interesting time of life—that roller coaster time of transitioning from child to young adult. There’s an endless amount of dramatic possibilities.”
In a question-and-answer session on the author’s personal website, Gephart shared her advice on those who wish to become authors. She suggested: “If you love to read and write, do both. Often. Eventually, when you’ve been working at it for a long time, you might publish your writing. There are many ways to share your writing now—write cards for your friends, create a newsletter for relatives who don’t live nearby, pen poems to keep for yourself to read when you’re older, join the school magazine or start one, enter writing contests, etc.” On the same site, Gephart also proposed for aspiring authors who wish to write children’s books “to join a critique group in your area (or start one). Conferences are usually informative and inspiring, too.”
Gephart’s first novel, As If Being 12 3/4 Isn’t Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President!, centers on Vanessa Rothrock, a preteen whose mother serves as the governor of Florida. When Governor Rothrock chooses to run for president of the United States, Vanessa’s issues—from boyfriend troubles to her preparations for an important spelling bee—are relegated to the back burner in favor of her mom’s political campaign.
As If Being 12 3/4 Isn’t Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President! also deals with the concerns of a youngster who is constantly in the public eye. An unknown admirer begins leaving notes in Vanessa’s locker, and she is drawn into her mother’s campaign when she accidentally opens hate mail sent to the governor’s office. As the novel—and the campaign—advance, the unknown admirer’s notes become more and more threatening, and at the Democratic National Convention, he is finally unmasked.
“Gephart maintains the humor even as the stakes rise,” wrote a Publishers Weekly reviewer in praise of Gephart’s debut. As If Being 12 3/4 Isn’t Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President! also educates readers on “the political process and motivations of people who work in this milieu,” Amelia Jenkins declared in School Library Journal.
Gephart’s novel How to Survive Middle School was described as “relatable and compulsively readable” by a Publishers Weekly critic. The work focuses on David Greenberg, an eleven-year-old who dreams of following in the footsteps of his comedic hero, television funnyman Jon Stewart. As he enters sixth grade, David begins struggling with a host of issues: he misses his mother, who abandoned the family years earlier; his best friend starts hanging out with a new clique; and he becomes the target of a school bully. David finds an outlet for his frustrations by creating humorous videos, which he posts on YouTube. His work catches the eye of Sophie, an attractive new classmate, and when she helps the videos go viral, they catch the attention of some surprising people.
In How to Survive Middle School “Gephart maps the hormonal, emotionally torturous terrain of pubescent boyhood with realistic dialogue,” according to a contributor in Kirkus Reviews. Also reviewing the novel, John Peters stated in Booklist that the author “crafts for her likable protagonist an engaging, feel-good transition into adolescence that’s well stocked with tears and laughter.”
A sensitive and intelligent girl pursues her dream of appearing on a television quiz show while attempting to reconnect with her estranged father in Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen. Here Gephart’s twelve-year-old titular heroine loves nothing more than watching Jeopardy!, a passion she shared with her divorced dad before he moved to California with his girlfriend. When Olivia learns that Jeopardy! producers are planning a kids-week edition of the show, she jumps at the opportunity to showcase her knowledge. After acing the audition rounds, she qualifies for a taping in Hollywood, where she hopes to share her success with her now-absent father.
According to Colleen S. Banick in School Library Journal, with Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen, “Gephart has crafted a convincing narrative about a child trying to make sense of the complex adult world.” A writer in Kirkus Reviews also praised the novel, stating that the author “addresses Olivia’s situation with a combination of wit and poignancy that perfectly reflects Olivia’s determined yet vulnerable character.”
Gephart published Lily and Dunkin in 2016. Timothy “Lily Jo” McGrother has known that he is truly a girl from a very young age. Norbert “Dunkin” Dorfman struggles with bipolar disorder. When he meets Lily, he instantly falls in love. When they meet again, they get a chance to open up to each other about their private struggles. While there are good moments, both teens have suffered greatly throughout their short lives.
In an interview on the Cynsations blog, Gephart talked with Cynthia Leitich Smith about how she was able to balance the characters of Lily and Dunkin so as to make them co-protagonists in the novel. Gephart recalled: “This novel is told in alternating perspectives from each of the two characters. I had such familiarity with the mental health piece of this novel that I needed to remind myself to make Dunkin’s story as strong as Lily’s. When a reviewer recently said Dunkin’s story almost eclipses Lily’s, I know I have succeeded.”
A contributor to Children’s Bookwatch found it to be “a powerful novel.” In a review in BookPage, Erin A. Holt insisted that “Gephart sensitively handles their choices and shows realistic consequences, holding nothing back when it comes to what it takes to be seen.” Writing in Voice of Youth Advocates, Nina Michael noted: “With thorough research and a lot of personal experience, Gephart has written a story that will speak not just to one specific community, but to humanity as a whole.” A contributor to Publishers Weekly reasoned that “despite an overly tidy resolution to Dunkin’s story and Lily being a bit too perfect, it’s a valuable” story. A Kirkus Reviews contributor shared that “though Gephart does a good job of rounding out her other characters, Lily is so pristine that she feels mythical.” Booklist contributor Michael Cart claimed that “both characters are irresistibly appealing, and Gephart beautifully manages their evolution.”
In Your Shoes, Gephart’s 2018 middle-grade novel, tells another story of an unlikely friendship. Amy has just moved to Buckington, Pennsylvania following the death of her mother. She now has to live above her uncle’s funeral home and hopes to make a new friend. The first day at her new school she does find a friend—but in a most unconventional way when a bowling shoe lands on her head. The shoe belongs to Miles, whose family runs the local bowling alley. Miles is a born worrier, and right now he is worrying and anxious about the surprise he is planning for his grandmother’s birthday. Amy, still dealing with grief over the loss of her mother, loves writing, and records her growing and unexpected connection to Miles. The story is told from the perspective of both Miles and Amy, and is organized like a bowling game with sections divided into the ten frames of a game.
School Library Journal reviewer Samantha Lumetta had praise for In Your Shoes, commenting: “Friendship lies at the heart of this story, and readers who prefer character-driven novels will find this book highly appealing. The well-drawn, likable characters are relatable, and the novel’s themes of grief and loss will strike a chord. The writing is perfectly suited to the middle grade audience and balances the beginnings of romance between the characters with the challenges of fitting in.” Lumetta concluded: “A unique and compelling novel from a master storyteller.” Similarly, a Kirkus Reviews critic termed this a “sweet story about a friendship with a most inauspicious start.” In an interview with Dorian Cirrone in the online From the Mixed-Up Files, Gephart shared part of the inspiration for the novel, remarking: “In the book’s author’s note, I share a personal story about how my mom almost died when I was ten. The worry that she might die terrified me back then. This novel explores how one might navigate the worst kind of grief with the help of friends, family, and a highly creative imagination.” In the same interview, Gephart also commented on Miles’s worrying issues: “Some members of my family have mild anxiety/worry issues that crop up in the form of repeating behaviors, superstitions, etc. I drew from those fears and behaviors.”
Gephart relates a tale of learning to appreciate where and who you are in The Paris Project. Cleveland Rosebud Potts has a dream: she desperately wants to leave the small and stifling town of Sassafras, Florida, for the bright lights and culture of Paris. She plans to be a student at the American School of Paris, and has a tin designed with the Eiffel Tower for her savings. But things are not going according to plan. The tin is thus far empty. Cleveland is embarrassed by her father and upset that her mom and sister are never around because they have to work extra shifts to support the family. Cleveland’s neighbor, Declan, is hiding something, and to make matters worse, her best friend, Jenna Finch, has determined that she is too upscale for Cleveland. Now Cleveland has to dig deep in her own strengths and talents to learn how to appreciate family and friends for who they are, and to learn how to grow, even in Sassafras, Florida. A Kirkus Reviews critic noted that “Gephart once again compassionately creates complex characters. … Readers won’t ‘pity’ Cleveland (she wouldn’t want any), but they’ll be rooting for her all the way.” The critic added: “Une histoire d’espoir—a story of hope.”
Abby Braverman is having a difficult seventh grade year in Abby, Tried and True. Her best friend, Cat, has just moved to Israel, and she thought that was the worst thing that could happen to her. However, her brother, Paul, is diagnosed with testicular cancer, and now she feels her world turned upside-down. Abby and her brother get support from their two mothers, Mom Rachel and Mama Dee, and Abby finds some consolation in her pet turtle, Fudge. But without Cat to confide in, Abby, who is introverted, feels a bit lost. It is difficult for her to find new friends at school, but then a new boy, Conrad, moves into Cat’s house next door. Abby overcomes her sensitivity and social anxiety to make steps toward a friendship with Conrad. Meanwhile the whole family pulls together to be there for Paul when he undergoes surgery and chemotherapy. And as she deals with each new challenge, Abby feels stronger and begins to learn that being anxious does not control or define her life.
A Kirkus Reviews critic lauded Abby, Tried and True, commenting: “This quiet, steady story especially shines when destigmatizing Abby’s social anxiety and Paul’s particular form of cancer.” The critic added: “This representation of a close-knit modern Jewish family is authentic and warm. A touching story about finding inner strength during a challenging time.” Similarly, a Publishers Weekly reviewer noted: “With heartfelt candor, Gephart … explores the impact of a life-changing diagnosis on a close-knit Jewish family.” The reviewer went on to comment that this story “is as much about a family’s wearying experience with cancer as it is about a young girl learning to feel comfortable with herself.” In another interview with Dorian Cirrone in From the Mixed-Up Files website, Gephart remarked on the inspiration for Abby, Tried and True: “About eighteen years ago, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Getting through surgeries and week-long treatments in the hospital were some of the most challenging experiences of my life. I wanted to find a way to translate those experiences and emotions into a powerful story for young readers. It took many, many attempts to find my way into telling a deeply meaningful story that would resonate with young readers without it being too overwhelming. I think I managed to do that by telling the story from the sister’s point of view. I also included humor and the hopeful budding new romance between Abby and the boy who moved in next door.”
Gephart’s 2021 work, Go Be Wonderful!, is a picture book, illustrated by Francesca Chessa, which explores the unconditional love given to our children at all stages of their lives. Daisy’s dad says his baby daughter is wonderful at crying and playing peek-a-boo. Daisy’s mom later thinks her one-year-old is wonderful when she beats on pots and pans like a drum. Two-year-old Daisy has her grandparents calling her wonderful for saying ‘no’ so strongly. Uncles praise her for a mud bath when she is three and a neighbor thinks it is wonderful that Daisy can ride her scooter to the library at age four. And then comes school at age five, and Daisy is at first unsure about this big step. But she learns to share, make a friend, and use the school toilet. Coming home, she tells her gathered family and neighbors that school was wonderful.
Booklist contributor Maryann Owen termed Go Be Wonderful! an “engaging capture of a time that many children find unsettling.” Writing in School Library Journal, Margaret Kennedy similarly felt that this picture book “offers a great demonstration of positivity in the face of new challenges, wherever children find them.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, February 15, 2008, Francisca Goldsmith, review of As If Being 12 3/4 Isn’t Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President!, p. 78; March 1, 2010, John Peters, review of How to Survive Middle School, p. 71; May 15, 2012, Ilene Cooper, review of Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen, p. 56; February 15, 2016, Michael Cart, review of Lily and Dunkin, p. 75; January 1, 2021, Maryann Owen, review of Go Be Wonderful!, p. 78.
BookPage, May 1, 2016, Erin A. Holt, review of Lily and Dunkin, p. 30.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, May 1, 2012, Kate Quealy-Gainer, review of Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen, p. 455.
Children’s Bookwatch, June 1, 2016, review of Lily and Dunkin.
Detroit Free Press, February 8, 2008, “Kids Work on Growing Up.”
Kirkus Reviews, January 1, 2008, review of As If Being 12 3/4 Isn’t Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President!; March 15, 2010, review of How to Survive Middle School; January 15, 2012, review of Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen; February 15, 2016, review of Lily and Dunkin; January 15, July 15, 2018, review of In Your Shoes; July 15, 2019, review of The Paris Project; 2021, review of Abby, Tried and True.
Publishers Weekly, February 11, 2008, review of As If Being 12 3/4 Isn’t Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President!, p. 70; March 22, 2010, review of How to Survive Middle School, p. 70; March 7, 2016, review of Lily and Dunkin, p. 69; January 11, 2021, review of Abby, Tried and True, p. 61.
School Library Journal, February 1, 2008, Amelia Jenkins, review of As If Being 12 3/4 Isn’t Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President!, p. 114; June, 2010, Susan W. Hunter, review of How to Survive Middle School, p. 102; March, 2012, Colleen S. Banick, review of Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen, p. 156; July, 2018, Samantha Lumetta, review of In Your Shoes, p. 61; February, 2021, Margaret Kennedy, review of Go Be Wonderful!, p. 55.
Voice of Youth Advocates, April 1, 2016, Nina Michael, review of Lily and Dunkin, p. 57.
ONLINE
Children’s Book Review, https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/ (May 7, 2016), author interview.
Curtis Brown Literary Agency, https://www.curtisbrown.co.uk/ (May 26, 2021), “Donna Gephart.”
Cynsations, http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/ (October 22, 2008), Cynthia Leitich Smith, author interview; (May 4, 2016), Cynthia Leitich Smith, author interview.
Donna Gephart website, http://www.donnagephart.com (May 26, 2021).
EasternPennPoints, https://easternpennpoints.wordpress.com/ (September 15, 2019), Susan North, author interview.
Fantastic Fiction, https://www.fantasticfiction.com/ (May 26, 2021), “Donna Gephart.”
From the Mixed-Up Files, https://fromthemixedupfiles.com/ (October 10, 2018), Dorian Cirrone, “Interview with Donna Gephart, Author of In Your Shoes;(March 4, 2021), Dorian Cirrone, “Donna Gephart Interview + Abby, Tried and True Giveaway.
Kidsreads.com, http://www.kidsreads.com/ (April 1, 2012), Danica Davidson, author interview.*
Donna Gephart
Donna Gephart is a professional nerd.
Her love for libraries and reading have led her to a career as a children's book author for Penguin Random House. Her books now reside on the shelves of the library she frequented when she was a child.
Donna's books have won a number of awards, received starred reviews and landed on many state reading lists.
She's a popular speaker at schools, book festivals, libraries and conferences, including the S.C.B.W.I. National Conference, the Erma Bombeck Humor Writers' Workshop, F.A.M.E., the Conference on Children's Literature and others.
Originally from Philadelphia, Donna now lives in South Florida with her family, including two sweet shelter dogs, Benji and Teddy.
New and upcoming books
May 2024
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Welcome to the Woofmore
(Woofington, book 1)September 2024
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The Woofmore Is Not Haunted
(Woofington, book 2)February 2025
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The Woofmore on Thin Ice
(Woofington, book 3)
Series
Woofington (with Lori Haskins Houran)
1. Welcome to the Woofmore (2024)
2. The Woofmore Is Not Haunted (2024)
3. The Woofmore on Thin Ice (2025)
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Novels
As If Being 12 3/4 Isn't Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President! (2008)
How to Survive Middle School (2010)
Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen (2012)
Death by Toilet Paper (2014)
Lily and Dunkin (2016)
In Your Shoes (2018)
The Paris Project (2019)
Abby, Tried and True (2021)
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Picture Books hide
Go Be Wonderful! (2021)
Donna Gephart's award-winning middle grade novels include: Abby, Tried and True, The Paris Project, In Your Shoes, Lily and Dunkin, Death by Toilet Paper, How to Survive Middle School and others from Penguin Random House and Simon and Schuster. Welcome to the Woofmore is a fun, new early chapter book series from Abrams about a posh dog hotel run by dogs for dogs with a new VIP (Very Important Pooch) appearing in each book. Go Be Wonderful is Donna's first picture book about being perfectly imperfect and managing the first day of school. She's a popular speaker at schools, conferences and book festivals. Donna lives in South Jersey near Philadelphia. Visit her online at www.donnagephart.com.
DONNA GEPHART -- DETAILED AUTHOR BIO
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Northeast Regional Library, Phila., PA
Growing up, the local library was my second home. When I was little, my mom took me every week. As I got older, I rode my bike and loaded the basket with books. Those books filled lonely days. My favorite books then were Mr. Popper's Penguins and The Hundred Dresses. What are your favorite books?
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Here, I'm about age nine (or eight or ten). That's when I sat at our kitchen table, bored out of my mind, and wrote my first short story -- "Happy-Go-Lucky." It was about a horse who died. Even though it had a sad ending, my mom really liked it and made a big fuss about it. That's when I decided to become a writer.
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I loved seventh grade. I was in the school play, Music Man, and I made a meal-worm city in Ms. Silbert’s science class. I went to my first boy/girl parties and placed second in the school talent show for my hula hoop skills. I should have won first place, but it’s not like I’m bitter or anything. During graduation, I won a huge dictionary for excelling in…math! (I still use that dictionary today.)
Eighth grade, which back then started junior high for me, wasn't so much fun. I liked a boy who didn’t like me. I wore braces. I felt awkward and uncomfortable almost all the time, and I never got invited to any parties. Besides all that, my emotions seemed to be on a roller coaster ride I had no control over. So…no photos from then!
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High school was better. I wrote articles for the school newspaper and our local weekly newspaper, played tennis, won a couple writing contests, worked part-time at a shoe store, got good grades and enjoyed hanging out with my friends.
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College was better still. I worked really hard, but had tons of fun, too. I climbed Mount Nittany. Twice. I spent a lot of time at The Creamery, eating peach ice cream. And I visited the library often. I loved my short story writing class. Overall, I had a wonderful time living in Happy Valley, attending Penn State. Here I am with my roommate, Linda, celebrating her graduation.
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After graduating from college, I moved back to Philadelphia and married this great guy. Dan and I have been married over 30 years and have two adult children. I spent several years working as an editor at a greeting card company. After that, I worked from home to raise our kids and wrote for greeting card companies, magazines and, of course, published lots of books for young readers.
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Now, the books I write are on the shelves of that library I used to love as a kid. And I get to meet lots of wonderful people at bookstores, school visits, libraries, conferences and book festivals. I love what I do -- writing, enjoying time with family and friends, writing, hanging out at the local library and bookstore, writing, riding my bike, volunteering, traveling, writing, taking long walks along the beach and through the woods, writing, and attending local S.C.B.W.I. groups. Oh, and writing!
DONNA GEPHART -- Q & A
Q: I love your books.
A: That's not a question, but THANKS!
Q: Why did you decide to write HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL?
A: Middle school (also called Junior High in some places) was very hard for me . . . and for our kids . . . and for most people. When I was about thirteen/fourteen, I went from feeling deliriously happy to miserably depressed often in the same day . . . even in the same hour! I wish someone had explained that it was just my hormones going a little crazy and they would calm down again. I wish someone told me that I didn't really "hate" my mother, but it was a normal part of adolescence to push away from her. I wish someone had told me I'd survive the acne, the braces and the crush on a cute guy who didn't like me. I want young people to know they are not the only ones having a hard time. I also want young people to know that they can get through middle school. So hang in there. It gets better. Much better.
Q: Did you have a hamster, like in HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL?
A: Nope. My mom wasn't into pets when I was growing up. We had a kitten once, but Snowflake ran away, and we never found out what happened to her.
Q: What is your writing schedule like?
A: I usually write during the day after I've exercised. When I'm on deadline, I work nights and weekends, too. I spend lots of time thinking because thinking is the most important part of writing. I also spend lots of time revising -- taking what I've written and making sure it's clear and interesting. Published books aren't written, they're rewritten. Many, many, many times. I always make time for reading, friends and family, too.
Q: Do you like to read?
A: I love to read! I spend a lot of time in the library and in bookstores. I love visiting independent bookstores. I have piles of books all over my house. I enjoy reading realistic fiction, essays, non-fiction and poetry. What do you enjoy reading?
Q: Where do you live?
A: I live in South Jersey. (I used to live in South Florida.)
Q: What do you like to do when you're not reading and writing?
A: I like to eat soft pretzels with mustard, vegan cheese-steaks and salads that are bigger than my head. I enjoy traveling and meeting new people. I'm a big fan of getting outside and enjoying nature, whether that means a hike in the woods or kayaking or strolling along the beach. I also enjoy riding my bike, taking long walks, lifting weights and playing pickle ball. And I'm always up for a game of Scrabble.
Q: What things are most important to you?
A: 1. Family and friends -- LOVE!
2. Good health -- that's why I exercise, eat well, sleep as much as I need and spend time with people who brighten my spirits.
3. Being kind -- to each other, to animals and to our planet.
4. Lifelong Learning -- that's why I read a lot, travel and listen to a lot of different kinds of people. I'm endlessly curious.
5. Creativity -- that's why I enjoy writing, gardening, cooking and seeing live performances of all kinds.
6. Trying to understand myself and others -- because this leads to acceptance and peace instead of fear and cruelty. Reading is a great way to better understand myself and others, to widen one's world.
7. Volunteering -- it's the rent we pay for living on this amazing planet of ours.
8. Being a vegan -- good for me, good for the environment and good for the ANIMALS!
9. Daydreaming -- it's essential to imagine the good things we want to happen in our lives.
10. LAUGHTER!
Q: When were you born?
A: Sometime after dinosaurs roamed the earth . . . but not long after. Haha. July 5th, actually.
Q: How can I become a writer?
A: Write.
Longer A: If you love to read and write, do both. Often. Eventually, when you've been working at it for a long time, you might publish your writing. There are many ways to share your writing now -- write cards for your friends, create a newsletter for relatives who don't live nearby, pen poems to keep for yourself to read when you're older, join the school magazine or start one and enter writing contests. Have fun and find joy in your writing!
Q: I'm an adult and want to write for children. Any suggestions?
A: Join S.C.B.W.I. It's a wonderful international community that provides support, information, grants and much more. You might also want to join a critique group in your area (or start one). Conferences are usually informative and inspiring, too. There are many good books and magazines about writing as well.
Q: Can I send you something I wrote . . . or my homework questions . . . or my dirty laundry?
A: Nope.
Q: I can't think of any more questions.
A: That's not a question. But if you do think of any more questions, feel free to get in touch through my contact page. Thank you!
Donna Gephart: Writing to Experience the Unknown
Kara Warren, Clubs Editor
January 19, 2023
Students aim their heads to the front of the room at award-winning author Donna Gephart. The CHAT newspaper students had the unique opportunity to Zoom with Gephart, who took her childhood anecdotes to inspire our journalists. (Photo by: Waleed Peerani)
“Journalism is the most noble profession. It’s such a service to humanity and I think it’s a very challenging thing. It can show the truth behind things if you dig deep enough.” Donna Gephart, an award-winning author with her own comeback story, entered the PPCHS newsroom via Zoom with guidance for every young journalist under her voice—including students who aspire to be authors, those who simply hope to grow in their writing, and others who aim to write as they experience. Regardless of their aspirations, Donna Gephart touched each individual in more ways than one!
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Gephart experienced the humblest of beginnings. While struggling through underprivileged conditions, one thing that remained a constant in her life was her local library. “When I was 10 years old, I decided right then and there ‘I’m going to be a writer!’,” she cried, “‘And that was it. I worked for the school newspaper, had an internship for a weekly newspaper in my city, and took a journalism course in college.’”
The wave of emotions she felt as a child led to Gephart producing a wide collection of books for children in need of an escape, much like herself. Though many of her projects required plenty of revisions and resubmissions, the author was eventually able to create an identity through her writing. Her most recognized works would be produced with special memories from Gephart’s childhood or held subliminal messages to help guide her readers through their own troubles.
As an aspiring journalist, junior Isabella Cely-Garcia expressed that Gephart brought children’s fiction back to life. “Similar to Gephart, I’ve known that I’ve wanted to be a journalist for years. Though I hope to be an investigative journalist, Gephart inspired me to try different areas of the subject in order to completely grow in my writing.” The author expanded on how she’s lessened her struggles with different genres and formats by collaborating with other writers and researching more on the subject—and Cely hopes to do the same.
But like any strong writer, Gephart advocated for exploring unfamiliar subjects to channel her writing. Throughout her career, Gephart’s been able to investigate the American prison system and learn the different perspectives of individuals facing cancerous illness, and living as transgender youth.
Gephart’s concept of writing to experience the unknown inspired the CHAT’s Copy Editor, Daniel Morrison, in the PPCHS newsroom. “Writing the unknown gives insight into specific topics briefly touched by the average writer. It’s a powerful tool to expand my general knowledge about the world and seek new and unique writing strategies that help me write leisurely and for The CHAT.”
“We learned in the past several years that journalism can bring things to light in a way that nothing else can! It can hold people to account and give a voice to the person who feels voiceless, or those without enough resources.” The award-winning author guided the class to follow in her footsteps all in the span of an hour. After teaching the class to see the best in all situations, widen the perspective of the story, and aim to learn more from their projects, she left the newsroom and went on to pursue her next project.
Gephart, Donna THE WOOFMORE IS NOT HAUNTED Amulet/Abrams (Children's None) $14.99 9, 24 ISBN: 9781419767647
In his second outing, Rufus, a hairy canine snappily clad in a jacket and bow tie, keeps "very important pooches" happy at Hotel Woofmore.
Rufus must ensure that horror writer Silas Fang has a great vacation. The dark-caped German shepherd arrives in a scary car sporting a bat hood ornament, but he wants a break from all things macabre and requests "Unicorns! Bubbles! Rainbows!" Rufus, a "scaredy dog" through and through, is pleased, but when a few guests check in seeking a haunted hotel experience, Mr. Fang is ready to leave. Ms. Coco, the capable chihuahua manager, persuades everyone to stay, but trouble looms. Red pawprints appear and is that a ghost? Mr. Fang threatens to go, but Rufus dazzles the writer with unicorn pupcakes baked by Chef Goodboyardee, and spa manager Sparkles prepares a poolside bubble bath. Rufus is working on the rainbow when the lights mysteriously go out. Uh-oh. Will the hotel's valued guest storm off? Turns out, Rufus has found a way to please Mr. Fang after all. Some of the spookier scenes employ black and purple hues, but fans of the first installment will still find amusing puns, cheerful doggy employees, and canine guests in quirky clothing; Woofmore lovers will be laughing, while new readers will eagerly jump right in.
A smidge of scariness--with a light touch--and a lot of fun for dog lovers. (Chapter book. 6-9)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Gephart, Donna: THE WOOFMORE IS NOT HAUNTED." Kirkus Reviews, 1 July 2024, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A799332972/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=85671f18. Accessed 8 Aug. 2024.
Gephart, Donna WELCOME TO THE WOOFMORE Amulet/Abrams (Children's None) $14.99 5, 21 ISBN: 9781419767623
A swanky new hotel welcomes its first VIP (Very Important Pooch).
With a large hat, big sunglasses, and a recognizable voice, movie star Greta Garbark attracts attention everywhere she goes. Much like her real-life Hollywood counterpart, however, the retriever wants to be left alone, and Rufus, general hotel factotum at the Woofmore, is determined to make her happy at the behest of his boss, a brown Chihuahua named Ms. Coco. Rufus--a large, hairy canine with floppy ears, a bow tie, and a striped jacket--immediately thinks of a suitable disguise for Ms. Garbark. She's treated to a new "furstyle" and a "Pupster Purple" dye job at the Sudsy Spa. Now if she just stays quiet, no one will know it's her. Keeping the "puparazzi" at bay is easy enough, but soon Rufus notices the other guests scratching themselves. Could the hotel have a flea infestation? Luckily, Ms. Garbark may have the "pawfect" solution. Kids will be amused by earnest, endearing Rufus and his habit of passing gas when he's nervous (a joke that gets a bit strained over time). With puns galore and retro, caricaturelike illustrations depicting many dog breeds, including a "poodle in pearls" and a "husky in a hat," this funny early chapter book will easily find an audience, though adults may have to explain the references to Greta Garbo.
A waggish new series tailor-made made for dog lovers. (Chapter book. 6-8)
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"Gephart, Donna: WELCOME TO THE WOOFMORE." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Mar. 2024, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A786185814/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=34e61b02. Accessed 8 Aug. 2024.
Welcome to the Woofmore (The Woofmore #1)
Donna Gephart and Lori Haskins Houran, illus. by Josh Cleland. Amulet, $14.99 (80p) ISBN 978-1-419-76762-3
Dapper dog Rufus and chic chihuahua Ms. Coco welcome guests to the grand opening of the Woofmore Hotel, where the water bowls are always full and kibble treats grace every pillow. All Woofmore guests are VIPs (Very Important Pooches), but Rufus and Ms. Coco are anticipating the arrival of an even more important pup: golden retriever Greta Garbark, "the biggest movie star in the world." As puparazzi descend, Rufus hustles Ms. Garbark into the hotel ("they can't hound you in here"), except she worries that fellow guests will pester her as well. Enlisting Sudsy Spa stylist Sparkles, Rufus shares his "pawfect idea" to help Ms. Garbark go incognito. She's excited to finally vacation undisturbed, but there's a "hitch (with an itch)": fleas! Rufus and Ms. Coco fear that this will be the end of the Woofmore, until Ms. Garbark -- wishing to repay Rufus's kindness--comes up with a pawfect idea of her own. Playful puns by Gephart (Go Be Wonderful) and Houran (Cheese Fest!), accompanied by lovable characters expressively illustrated by Cleland (I Am Money) in vibrant colors and textures, set up this chapter book series for a howlingly good beginning. Ages 5-8. (May)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 PWxyz, LLC
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"Welcome to the Woofmore (The Woofmore #1)." Publishers Weekly, vol. 271, no. 8, 26 Feb. 2024, p. 62. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A786321962/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=b7ef942c. Accessed 8 Aug. 2024.