A Book, Too, Can Be a Star: The Story of Madeleine l'Engle and the Making of a Wrinkle in Time

by Charlotte Jones Voiklis (Author) Adelina Lirius (Illustrator)

A Book, Too, Can Be a Star: The Story of Madeleine l'Engle and the Making of a Wrinkle in Time
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

An inspiring picture book biography of beloved author Madeleine L'Engle and the making of A Wrinkle in Time.

When Madeleine L'Engle was very small, she often found herself awake at night, marveling at the stars. They guided her throughout her life, making her feel part of a big and exciting world, even when she felt alone. They made her want to ask big questions--Why are we here? What is my place in the universe?--and let her imagination take flight. Books, too, were like stars--asking questions and proposing answers. Books kept Madeleine company, and soon, she began to write and share her own. But would other people see the wonder she found in the world?

Written by Madeleine's granddaughter Charlotte Jones Voiklis and bestselling picture-book author Jennifer Adams, A Book, Too, Can Be a Star follows the life of one of the world's greatest creators--and gives children encouragement to lead a creative, inquisitive life.

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Hardcover
$18.99

Publishers Weekly

The subject's granddaughter, Voiklis, and author Adams open this idealistic picture book biography of Madeleine L'Engle (1918-2007) with the subject's earliest memory: being awakened and shown the magnificent night sky, and realizing "that there was more to her world than daytime and ordinary things." As an only child growing up in New York City, L'Engle watched her writer father and pianist mother practice ways "to tell a story, to ask questions, to answer the call of the stars." Nearly translucent-feeling digital and gouache spreads by Lirius incorporate the fantasies that animated a young L'Engle--castles, dragons, and always the stars--alongside her probing questions ("What are my gifts?"). After marriage, a family camping trip to the Painted Desert inspires A Wrinkle in Time, a Newbery Award-winning triumph initially rejected by many publishers. Fans of L'Engle's works will find inspiration to ask big questions of their own in this limited telling of the subject's interests and inquiries. Detailed back matter concludes. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

The artwork in this book is stunning; both realistic and magical, these illustrations connect readers emotionally to L'Engle's story... An excellent choice for any collection looking for biographies on writers, fantasy, and successful women. —School Library Journal, starred review

The perfect prelude to a shared reading of the ageless classic [A Wrinkle in Time]. —Kirkus Reviews

Fans of L'Engle's works will find inspiration to ask big questions of their own in this limited telling of the subject's interests and inquiries. —Publishers Weekly

Charlotte Jones Voiklis

Charlotte Jones Voiklis has worked in academia, nonprofit communications and fundraising, and philanthropy. In addition to managing her grandmother Madeleine L'Engle's estate, Charlotte is an author in her own right. She lives in New York City with her husband and two children.

Jennifer Adams is the author of 50 books, including the best-selling BabyLit series, which introduces small children to the world of classic literature and has sold more than 2 million copies. Jennifer edits the children's book line at Sounds True and works weekends at her local independent bookstore, The King's English.

Adelina Lirius is an illustrator based in Stockholm, Sweden. She loves painting imaginary scenes, portraying nature, and depicting the different cultures she grew up with.

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780374388485
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Publication date
October 20, 2022
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF007030 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Literary
JNF007120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Women
JNF053050 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Emotions & Feelings
JNF063000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Books & Libraries
Library of Congress categories
Biographies
20th century
Authors, American
L'Engle, Madeleine

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