Mel Boring facts for kids

Melvin Lyle Boring (born September 12, 1939) is an American author who writes amazing non-fiction books for kids. He is part of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, a group for people who write and draw for children. Some of his popular books include Incredible Constructions and the People Who Built Them, Caterpillars, Bugs, and Butterflies, and Guinea Pig Scientists. He even travels around the world to talk to students about writing books, sometimes while dressed as the Cat in the Hat!

About Mel Boring

Melvin Lyle Boring was born in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. His dad, Harold Truman, was an electrician, and his mom was Helen Irene Boring. Mel went to Sterling College in Kansas and earned his first degree in 1961. Later, he studied at Princeton Theological Seminary and got another degree in 1965.

How Mel Boring Started Writing

Mel Boring first worked as a teacher. This job made him interested in writing books for children. He has shared that he had trouble learning to read when he was very young. Even so, he loved listening to books being read aloud to him. These stories, especially The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins by Dr. Seuss, inspired him to become a writer.

Mel Boring's Family Life

Mel Boring married his second wife, Carol Lynne Trettin, on June 21, 1975. Carol is a registered nurse. Together, they have two children named Zachery and Katrina. Mel also has two sons from his first marriage, Joshua and Jeremy.

Mel Boring's Writing Career

Mel Boring has published twelve books and more than twenty-five stories. His stories have appeared in popular magazines like Highlights for Children and Cricket. When he first started, his first twelve stories for children's magazines were rejected 143 times! Only one story was accepted. For eighteen years, he taught at the Institute of Children's Literature, helping many students learn how to write for young readers.

Books by Mel Boring

Here are some of the books Mel Boring has written:

• Sealth: The Story of an American Indian, 1978.
• The Rainmaker, 1980.
• Clowns: The Fun Makers, 1980.
• Wovoka: The Story of an American Indian, 1980.
• Incredible Constructions and the People Who Built Them, 1984.
• Birds, Nests, and Eggs, 1996.
• Caterpillars, Bugs, and Butterflies, 1996.
• Rabbits, Squirrels, and Chipmunks, illustrated by Linda Garrow, 1996. A second edition came out in 2000.
• Fun with Nature, co-written with Diane L. Burns and Leslie Dendy, illustrated by Linda Garrow, 1999.
• Guinea Pig Scientists: Bold Self-Experimenters in Science and Medicine, co-written with Leslie Dendy, illustrated by C.B. Mordan, 2005.
• Flamingos, Loons, and Pelicans, illustrated by Andrew Recher, 2006.

Awards and Recognitions

Mel Boring's work has earned him several awards and honors:

• Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators of Iowa Award.
• Booklist Top Ten Science Books for Youth (2005).
• Book Links Lasting Connections (2005).
• Subaru Science Books and Films Prize finalist (2006).
• American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults (2006).
• New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age (2006).