Cynthia Rylant facts for kids

Cynthia Rylant (born Cynthia Smith on June 6, 1954) is an American author and librarian. She has written over 100 children's books. These books include exciting stories, factual books, and poetry. Many of her books have won important awards. For example, her novel Missing May won the famous 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.

Cynthia Rylant's Early Life

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. Growing up in the Appalachian mountains during the 1960s, Cynthia's family was very poor. They lived a simple life without electricity, running water, or cars. Even though they were poor, her grandparents and other family members created a loving and safe home for her.

Cynthia did not see many children's books when she was young. Instead, she read comic books and loved playing outdoors.

Moving and Discovering Books

Four years later, Cynthia moved back with her mother, who was living in Beaver, West Virginia. There were no libraries or bookstores in Cool Ridge or Beaver. Cynthia never saw her father again after her parents separated. He passed away when she was thirteen. She later shared that not getting to know him or say goodbye deeply influenced her writing.

When she was nine, Cynthia became a big fan of Paul McCartney and The Beatles. However, her childhood in West Virginia had the biggest impact on her stories. Many of her books are about life in the Appalachian region. As a teenager, she was inspired by Robert F. Kennedy and was very sad when he passed away.

Education and First Book

Cynthia Rylant earned her first college degree from Morris Harvey College (now the University of Charleston) in 1975. She then got a master's degree from Marshall University in 1976. She loved studying English literature during these years.

After college, she worked as a waitress and then as a librarian at the Cabell County Public Library in Huntington, West Virginia. This is where she finally discovered the world of children's books! In 1979, she also taught English part-time at Marshall University.

It was during this time that she wrote her first book, 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 only took her about an hour to write. This book won an American Book Award in 1982 and was a Caldecott Honor Book.

In 1981, she earned another master's degree in Library Science from Kent State University. She lived in Kent, Ohio, for many years, working as a librarian. Later, she moved to Akron, Ohio, and worked at the Akron Public Library while teaching English part-time at the University of Akron.

Cynthia Rylant's Writing Career

After her first successful book, Cynthia Rylant wrote six more picture books about her childhood. Her 1983 book, Miss Maggie, explores what it's like to grow older. Her first poetry collection, Waiting to Waltz: A Childhood (1984), was also about her own life, sharing both happy and sad moments.

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

Her 1986 book, The Relatives Came, describes how she slept on the floor when family visited. That same year, she published A Fine White Dust, which became very popular. This novel for young adults is about a boy who follows a preacher. Even when the preacher disappoints him, the boy finds a 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. The first book, Henry and Mudge: The First Book, is for young readers. It's about Henry, an only child, and his huge, lovable dog, Mudge. When Mudge gets lost, Henry is very sad, and they are both overjoyed when Mudge is found.

Since then, she has written many more Henry and Mudge books. She has also written many other picture books, books for older readers, and poetry collections. Her picture book Long Night Moon (2004) describes the different moons that Native American cultures use to mark the changing seasons. The Van Gogh Cafe (1995) is one of her favorite books.

Cynthia Rylant's books often explore the joys and challenges of family life. They also feature animals and the outdoors, especially in the Appalachian region. Her characters are often people who are a bit lonely or facing tough times. Her non-fiction picture book Appalachia; The Voices of Sleeping Birds (1991) paints a clear picture of life in Appalachia and the kindness of its people.

More Award-Winning Books

Cynthia Rylant's 1992 novel, Missing May, is a touching story about a girl who lives with relatives after her mother passes away. She then has to comfort her uncle after his wife, May, dies. This book won the Newbery Medal.

Starting in the early 1990s, Rylant began several series for younger readers, like the Lighthouse Family, High-rise Private Eyes, and Everyday Books. She even illustrated some of her own books, including the fun Dog Heaven (1995), which imagines a perfect afterlife for dogs. Other poetry collections include God Went to Beauty School (2003) and Boris (2005).

Cynthia Rylant's Personal Life

In 1993, Cynthia Rylant moved to Eugene, Oregon, with her son. In 2003, she moved to Portland, Oregon.

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 a Newbery Medal.
• When I Was Young in the Mountains (1982) and The Relatives Came (1985) received Caldecott Honors.
• The Relatives Came and Appalachia: The Voices of Sleeping Birds (1991) were both Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor Books.
• Missing May also received a Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor.
• 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.

Cynthia Rylant's Books

See also

In Spanish: Cynthia Rylant para niños