Rauha S. Virtanen facts for kids
Rauha S. Virtanen (born June 28, 1931 – died March 20, 2019) was a talented Finnish writer. She wrote many books for young people and also plays for the stage. Rauha Virtanen won several important awards for her writing. These included the Topelius Prize in 1971 and the State Prize for Youth Literature in the same year. In 2003, she also received the Tirlittan Prize from the Finnish Writers' Union.
About Rauha Virtanen's Life
Rauha Susanna Virtanen was born in Alavus, Finland, on June 28, 1931.
She was inspired to write her first book, Seljan tytöt (which means "Selja's Girls"), by a famous novel called Emily of New Moon by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Seljan tytöt was published in 1955. This book became so popular that it grew into a four-part series! This series was also inspired by another well-known book, Little Women, written by Louisa May Alcott.
Rauha Virtanen's early stories were full of humor, excitement, and romance. Later in her career, her books started to focus on young people facing tough choices. These stories showed how young characters dealt with the real social and political issues around them.
Rauha Virtanen's daughter, Arja Pettersson, became a theater director. Rauha Virtanen passed away in Helsinki, Finland, on March 20, 2019.
Awards and Recognition
Rauha Virtanen received many honors for her contributions to literature:
- Topelius Prize, 1971
- State Prize for Youth Literature, 1971
- Tirlittan Prize of the Finnish Writers' Union, 2003
Selected Books and Plays
Rauha Virtanen wrote many different works, including novels and plays.
- Novels
- Seljan tytöt. Porvoo: WSOY, 1955.
- Tapaamme Seljalla: Seljan tyttöjen uusia vaiheita. Porvoo: WSOY, 1957.
- Kiurut laulavat. Porvoo: WSOY, 1959.
- Virva Seljan yksityisasia. Porvoo: WSOY, 1960.
- Tuntematon Selja. Helsinki: WSOY, 1964.
- Luumupuu kukkii. Helsinki: WSOY, 1965.
- Tuletko sisarekseni. Helsinki: WSOY, 1966.
- Ruusunen. Helsinki: WSOY, 1968.
- Joulukuusivarkaus. Helsinki: WSOY, 1970.
- Lintu pulpetissa. Helsinki: WSOY, 1972.
- Seljalta maailman ääreen. Helsinki: WSOY, 2001.
- Seljan Tuli ja Lumi. Helsinki: WSOY, 2009.
- Plays
- Avaruusmekko (1966)
- Tässä on Hely Ahonen (1974)
- Laulukokeet (1976)
- Jääkö Pekka luokalle? (1977)
- Rööki-Rocky (1978)
- Pääsy kielletty (1979)
- Kolme mummoa (1982)
