John Lawson (children's author) facts for kids

John Shults "Jack" Lawson (born August 1, 1923 – died December 12, 1993) was an American writer. He wrote many popular children's novels. His stories often mixed real-life settings with a touch of fantasy.

The Life of Jack Lawson

Jack Lawson was born in New York City. His parents were John and Nancy Sommers Lawson. He went to school at Exeter and then Harvard College. After serving in World War II, he traveled through the mountains of Virginia. He liked the area so much that he decided to live on a farm there.

Later, Jack Lawson worked in New York City. He worked in the brokerage business. This means he helped people buy and sell stocks and other investments. Even with his city job, he often returned to his farm. He and his wife, Charlotte, raised their two daughters there. Their daughters were named Catherine and Elizabeth.

Jack Lawson's Wonderful Books

Jack Lawson's first novel was called You Better Come Home With Me. He got the idea for this book from stories he told his daughters. The book had lovely pictures drawn by Arnold Spilka.

His second novel was The Spring Rider. This book was very special. It won the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award in 1968. Like his other books, The Spring Rider was set in the southern Appalachian Mountains. This was the area where Lawson had made his home.

A Ghost Story for Young Readers

While all of Jack Lawson's books have some fantasy, The Spring Rider is known for something unique. It was one of the first ghost stories written for children. It showed that even spooky tales could be enjoyed by young readers.

From History to Whimsy

His third novel, If Pigs Could Fly, came out in 1989. The Spring Rider was based on the real history of the American Civil War. But If Pigs Could Fly was a fun and imaginative adventure. It followed a young man during the Battle of New Orleans. This battle happened at the end of the War of 1812.

Jack Lawson's writing was highly praised. His first two books were even included in a special guide. This guide was called The Best in Children's Books. It was put together by the University of Chicago. The guide described his writing as "often lyric, often ironic, always subtle... always fanciful." This means his stories were like beautiful songs, sometimes funny, always clever, and full of imagination.

Books

• You Better Come Home With Me (Crowell, 1966)
• The Spring Rider (Crowell, 1968)
• If Pigs Could Fly (Houghton Mifflin, 1989)