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Best authors keep things fresh, creative

Local children's librarian suggests titles for young readers

Date published: 2/6/2007

AWRITER with a long career can write the same kind of book over and over, or she can try new things. Author Mary Stolz, who died recently at the age of 86, chose the latter course.

First known for her perceptive novels for teens about girls on the brink of romance--"The Seagulls Woke Me" and "To Tell Your Love" are two early books--she later wrote chapter books, beginning readers, fantasy and historical fiction.

"A Dog on Barkham Street" tells the story of 12-year-old Edward, who longs for a dog despite his parents' objections, and is plagued by Martin, the neighborhood bully. Edward is amazed and jealous when Martin, who certainly doesn't seem deserving, gets a dog of his own.

Just a few years later, Stolz published "The Bully of Barkham Street," which told the same story, this time from the bully's viewpoint.

Martin Hastings is bigger than other kids in class, his parents don't pay much attention to him, and he seems to get in trouble despite all his best intentions. The one bright spot in his day is Rufus, the dog his parents finally agreed to let him keep.

For Rufus' sake, Martin is trying harder than ever to stay out of fights, turn in his homework and speak respectfully to adults. But even the threat of losing Rufus isn't enough to keep Martin from losing his temper.

Stolz writes with great insight and humor, helping readers to understand both boys' points of view. In a third book, "The Explorer of Barkham Street," published more than 20 years later, Martin is slowly succeeding at making friends and staying out of trouble, helped along by his daydreams of adventure sparked by a book report on Admiral Byrd.

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Date published: 2/6/2007