Janet McDonald facts for kids

Janet McDonald (born August 10, 1953 – died April 11, 2007) was an American writer. She wrote many books for young adults. She also wrote a memoir called Project Girl. This book was about her early life in Brooklyn and her journey to get a great education.

One of her most famous books for young people is Spellbound. This story is about a teenage mom who wins a spelling contest. The prize is a scholarship for college. In 2002, Spellbound was named one of the American Library Association's best books for young adults. Janet McDonald was also a member of Mensa, a group for people with very high IQs.

About Janet McDonald's Life

Janet McDonald was born in Brooklyn, USA. She worked very hard to get a good education. She went to several excellent schools.

Her Education and Early Career

Janet McDonald graduated from Vassar in 1977. She then studied journalism at Columbia University in 1984. After that, she went to New York University Law School and finished in 1986.

After law school, Janet worked as a lawyer. She practiced law in New York City from 1986 to 1989. Then she moved to Seattle and worked there from 1989 to 1991.

Moving to Paris and Becoming a Writer

Janet McDonald moved to Paris, France, in 1991. She worked as an intern at a law firm there. Later, she moved back to the United States. She worked in Olympia, Washington, and taught French classes.

In 1995, Janet settled in Paris for good. She worked as an international lawyer for a while. But soon, she started focusing on her writing. She became a full-time writer. Janet McDonald lived in Paris until she passed away from cancer in 2007.

Inspiring Words from Janet McDonald

Janet McDonald shared many thoughtful ideas. Here are some of her famous quotes:

• "Freedom is ... not about nothing left to lose, it's about nothing left to be; you don't have to be anything."
• "Paris is where I became possible. It's where I became free."