Cynthia Rylant facts for kids

Cynthia Rylant (born June 6, 1954) is a famous American author. She has written over 100 books for children and young adults. Her books include fun picture books, exciting novels, true stories (nonfiction), and poetry. Many of her stories have won important awards. For example, her novel Missing May won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1993. Another book, A Fine White Dust, was a Newbery Honor book in 1987. Two of her picture books have also received Caldecott Honor Book awards.

Growing Up

Cynthia Rylant was born in Hopewell, West Virginia. Her parents were John Tune Smith and Leatrel Smith. Cynthia uses her mother's maiden name, Rylant, as her writing name. She lived in Illinois for her first four years.

When she was four, her parents separated. Cynthia went to live with her grandparents in Cool Ridge, West Virginia. Her mother was studying to become a nurse and could only visit a few times a year. Cynthia grew up in the Appalachian mountains during the 1960s. It was a time when many families in that area were very poor.

Her grandparents and other family members created a loving home for her. They were poor and lived a simple life. They did not have electricity, running water, or cars. Because of this, Cynthia did not see many children's books when she was young. Instead, she read comic books and loved playing outdoors.

When Cynthia was eight, she moved back with her mother. They lived in Beaver, West Virginia. There were no libraries or bookstores in either Cool Ridge or Beaver. Cynthia never saw her father again after her parents separated. He passed away when she was thirteen. She later said that not getting to know him helped her become a writer.

As a teenager, Cynthia loved Paul McCartney and The Beatles. But her childhood in West Virginia was the biggest influence on her writing. Many of her books are about life in the Appalachian region.

Education and First Books

Cynthia Rylant went to college and earned a B.A. degree from Morris Harvey College in 1975. She then earned an M.A. degree from Marshall University in 1976. She loved studying English literature in college.

After college, she first worked as a waitress. Later, she became a librarian at the Cabell County Public Library in Huntington, West Virginia. This was where she finally discovered many children's books!

In 1979, she taught English part-time at Marshall University. During this time, she wrote her first book. It was called When I Was Young in the Mountains. This picture book was based on her own childhood memories of living with her grandparents. Cynthia later said it took her only an hour to write. The book won an American Book Award in 1982 and was a Caldecott Honor Book.

In 1981, she earned a Master's degree in Library Science from Kent State University. She worked as a librarian in Ohio for many years. She also continued to teach English part-time.

Writing Career

After her first book, Cynthia Rylant wrote six more picture books about her childhood. Her 1983 book, Miss Maggie, explored themes of getting older. Her first poetry collection, Waiting to Waltz: A Childhood (1984), was also about her own happy and sad experiences.

In 1985, Cynthia Rylant decided to become a full-time writer. Her first novel, A Blue-eyed Daisy (1985), tells the story of a young girl's year. It includes events like her first kiss and a friend's funeral. The book also shows her relationship with her father, who gets injured and loses his job.

In 1986, she published The Relatives Came. This book describes how she slept on the floor when family visited. The same year, she released A Fine White Dust, which became very popular. This novel for young adults is about a boy who follows a charismatic preacher. Even when the preacher disappoints him, the boy finds stronger faith. This book was named a Newbery Honor book.

Popular Book Series

In 1987, Cynthia Rylant started her very popular Henry and Mudge series. These books are for young readers. They tell the story of Henry, an only child, and his huge, lovable dog, Mudge. When Mudge gets lost, Henry is very sad. When Mudge is found, they are both overjoyed. She has written many Henry and Mudge books since then.

She has also created other popular series for younger readers:

• Annie and Snowball: These books follow Annie and her pet bunny, Snowball.
• Cobble Street Cousins: This series is about three cousins who live together in their aunt's house.
• Everyday Books: A series for very young children, which Cynthia Rylant illustrated herself.
• The High Rise Private Eyes: These books feature detectives who solve mysteries.
• Little Whistle: Stories about a tiny, brave mouse.
• Mr. Putter and Tabby: This series is about an old man, Mr. Putter, and his cat, Tabby, and their gentle adventures.
• Poppleton: Stories about a friendly pig named Poppleton.
• Lighthouse Family: This series tells tales of animals living in a lighthouse.

Other Notable Works

Cynthia Rylant's books often focus on the joys and challenges of family life. They also feature animals and the outdoors, especially the Appalachian region. Her characters are often unique or face difficulties.

Her 1991 nonfiction picture book, Appalachia; The Voices of Sleeping Birds, paints a clear picture of life in Appalachia. It shows the warmth of its people.

Her 1992 young adult novel, Missing May, is a touching story. It's about a girl who lives with relatives after her mother dies. She then helps her uncle cope with the loss of his beloved wife.

Cynthia Rylant has also illustrated some of her own books. One example is the playful Dog Heaven (1995), which imagines a perfect afterlife for dogs. Other poetry collections include God Went to Beauty School (2003) and Boris (2005).

Personal Life

In 1993, Cynthia Rylant moved to Eugene, Oregon, with her son. She later moved to Portland, Oregon, in 2003.

Awards and Honors

Cynthia Rylant has received many awards for her writing:

• A Fine White Dust (1987) won a Newbery Honor.
• Missing May (1993) won the prestigious Newbery Medal.
• When I Was Young in the Mountains (1982) and The Relatives Came (1985) both received Caldecott Honors.
• The Relatives Came and Appalachia: The Voices of Sleeping Birds (1991) were both named Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor Books.
• Missing May also received a Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor.
• Several of her books, including A Kindness (1988), Soda Jerk (1990), and A Couple of Kooks and Other Stories about Love (1990), were named "Best Book of the Year for Young Adults" by the American Library Association.

Works

See also

• In Spanish: Cynthia Rylant para niños