March 9, 2001

Loyola, National Book Foundation bring award-winning author to Wright Middle School

Loyola and the National Book Foundation are bringing "The Pleasures of Reading" program and author Kimberly Willis Holt to Sophie B. Wright Middle School on Tuesday, March 20, 2001. The program, funded by Waldenbooks, introduces National Book Award-winning authors who discuss their personal relationship between reading and the writing life to underserved students. By enlisting the energies of noted authors, the foundation works to shed light on the writing process, with its pleasures and challenges, to a broader audience.

Holt, winner of the 1998 National Book Award for young people's literature for When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, will discuss her writing process with Wright students. Holt's father was in the Navy and was transferred often, allowing her to grow up across the world. But Holt has said she felt most at ease in her parent's home town of Forest Hills, La., a tiny town 18 miles south of Alexandria, where they once lived for 18 months. She began writing as an adult but maintains a valid voice of the 12-year-olds in her books. She also has written My Louisiana Sky, Mister and Me, and a new book to be published on March 19, Dancing in Cadillac Light. Holt will present a reading and discussion of her books on Wednesday, March 20.

The National Book Foundation, established in 1950, sponsors the National Book Award in an effort to raise the cultural value of great writing in America. This award is considered the nation's most prestigious literary prize. "The Pleasures of Reading" program began in 1990. Since then 26 authors have visited 22 different states. For more information about the March 21 event, call the Office of Public Affairs at 861-5888.