Sterling North facts for kids

Sterling North (born November 4, 1906 – died December 21, 1974) was an American writer. He is most famous for his children's book, Rascal. This book became a bestseller in 1963.

About Sterling North

His Early Life

Sterling North's grandparents were early settlers in Wisconsin. His mother, Sarah Elizabeth Nelson, married David Willard North. Sterling's mother passed away when he was only seven years old.

North was born in 1906. His birthplace was a farmhouse near Lake Koshkonong in Edgerton, Wisconsin. As a teenager, he had a serious illness called polio. He grew up in Edgerton, which he later called "Brailsford Junction" in his books.

Sterling had three siblings. His sister, Jessica Nelson North, was also a writer and poet. He had another sister named Theo and a brother named Herschel.

When Sterling was 11, his uncles wrote about their family's pioneer life. One uncle, Justus Henry Nelson, was a missionary. This writing may have inspired Sterling to become a writer himself.

His Writing Career

After going to the University of Chicago, North worked as a reporter. He wrote for newspapers like the Chicago Daily News and the New York World-Telegram. Later, he became a full-time writer.

In 1940, Sterling North worked as a literary editor. He was one of the first people to speak out against comic books. He called them "a poisonous mushroom growth." He believed they were harmful to young readers.

One of North's first books was The Pedro Gorino (1929). It told the story of an African-American sea captain, Harry Dean. In 1934, his novel Plowing on Sunday was published.

North's book Midnight and Jeremiah became a Disney movie. It was called So Dear to My Heart and came out in 1949. He also wrote many other books. These include Abe Lincoln: Log Cabin to White House and Raccoons are the Brightest People.

In 1956, he became an editor for North Star Books. This company published biographies about American heroes for young adults. His wife, Gladys Buchanan North, also helped with the editing.

Rascal - His Most Famous Book

North's most popular book is Rascal: A Memoir of a Better Era. It was published in 1963. The book is about a year in his childhood. During that time, he raised a baby raccoon named Rascal.

Rascal won several awards. It received a Newbery Honor in 1964. It also won the Sequoyah Book Award and the Young Reader's Choice Award in 1966.

The book was made into a Disney movie in 1969. It also became a Japanese anime series in 1977. This anime, Araiguma Rasukaru, led to raccoons being brought to Japan.

Besides the raccoon story, Rascal also shows North's close bond with his father. It also shares his sadness over losing his mother.

His Legacy

Sterling North Home and Museum

Sterling North House
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location in Wisconsin
Location	409 W. Rollin St., Edgerton, Wisconsin
Area	less than one acre
Built	1918
Architectural style	Queen Anne
NRHP reference No.	96001579
Added to NRHP	January 9, 1997

In the 1990s, North's childhood home was restored. It is located at 409 West Rollin Street in Edgerton, Wisconsin. The Sterling North Society turned it into a museum. It looks like it did in 1917.

A bronze sign honors North in front of the home. It was put there in October 1984. School children, local businesses, and friends helped pay for the sign.

Celebrating His 100th Birthday

North's hometown of Edgerton celebrated his 100th birthday. This was during a book festival in October 2006. Many famous writers attended. These included Helen Thomas and Kevin Henkes. North's daughter, Arielle North Olson, who is also an author, was there. Edgerton still holds annual book festivals to remember Sterling North.

His Death

Sterling North passed away in Whippany, New Jersey. He died on December 21, 1974. He was 68 years old.

See also

In Spanish: Sterling North para niños