Howard Frank Mosher facts for kids
Howard Frank Mosher (born June 2, 1942 – died January 29, 2017) was an American writer. He wrote thirteen books. Most of his books were fiction, and two were non-fiction.
Many of his stories are set in the mid-1900s. They all take place in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. This area includes three counties in the state's northeast corner: Essex, Orleans, and Caledonia.
Mosher's characters were often unique and a bit unusual. They showed the special traits of the quiet people living in that region. A common theme in his books was how communities dealt with changes. Traditional country life often met new, modern ways. His last novel published while he was alive was God's Kingdom in October 2015.
About Howard Frank Mosher
Howard Frank Mosher finished high school in Cato, New York, in 1960. He then graduated from Syracuse University in 1964. Early in his career, he taught English. He taught at Orleans High and Lake Region Union High School.
Mosher lived in Irasburg, Vermont, with his wife, Phillis. They had a son and a daughter. He was a big fan of the Boston Red Sox baseball team. This love for the Red Sox often appeared in his books. He would create characters, usually young boys, who were obsessed with the team.
His Legacy and Awards
Howard Frank Mosher received many honors for his writing. In 1979, he was named a Guggenheim Fellow. This is a special award given to talented people in arts and sciences. In 1981, he won the Literature Award. This award came from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters.
His book A Stranger In the Kingdom won an award in 1991. It was named the New England Book Award for Fiction. Later, this book was made into a movie. Director Jay Craven made the film. Jay Craven also turned other Mosher books into movies. These included Disappearances, Where the Rivers Flow North, and Northern Borders.
In 2006, Mosher received the Vermont Governor's Award. This award recognized his excellence in the arts. In 2011, he earned another lifetime achievement award. It was from the New England Independent Booksellers Association.
His Passing
In December 2016, Howard Frank Mosher became ill. Doctors soon found he had an aggressive form of cancer. He had been treated for prostate cancer in 2007, and this new cancer was related to that. Mosher shared the news on his Facebook page. He passed away at home on January 29, 2017. He was 74 years old.
