PATRICIA REILLY GIFF

BACKGROUND

• Born April 26, 1935
• Born in Brooklyn N.Y.
• Spent 20 years as a reading teacher
• Now lives in Connecticut
• Husband, 3 kids, and 3 cats

HER WRITING

• Masters degree from St. John’s University
• Diploma in reading
• Doctorate of Human Letters
• Written over 110 books
• Has received 2 Newbery Honors
• Known for her Polk Street School book series

FICTIONAL WRITING

FUN FACTS

• 40 years old when she first began writing
• “Today was a Terrible Day” the first book ever wrote
• Favorite book she’s written is “Sunny Side Up”
• “Lily’s Crossing” is another close favorite

Lilly’s Crossing is one of the books that won a Newbery Honor. It was published in 1998. It’s about Lily overcoming the struggles that World War 2 brings.

FUN FACTS CONTINUED

• She starts every day by writing
• Nancy Drew series are her favorite books
• Opened a bookstore called “The Dinosaur Paw”

Maggie’s Door is another book written by her. It was published in 2003. It’s about a girl named Maggie trying to get to America from Ireland.

“Do you have a living room floor or bedroom floor? Then you can write a book.”
-P.R.G.

Thank you!