Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in New York, Paula Danziger knew since second grade that she wanted to be a writer. Beginning her career as a teacher, Danziger taught at the junior high, high school, college levels. She received her Masters Degree in reading and during that time she wrote her first bestselling novel,
The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. She returned to teaching, but the success of her book encouraged her to become a full-time writer. It was non-stop for Danziger since then. Among her titles are: the enormously popular
Amber Brown books as well as
Remember Me To Harold Square,
The Divorce Express, and
Can You Sue Your Parents For Malpractice? Danziger received numerous honors, including: Parent's Choice Awards, International Reading Association - Children's Book Council Awards, a IRA-CBC Children's Choice Award and many nominations for state reading and library association awards.
Known as a flamboyantly funny and deeply honest writer and speaker, Paula Danziger knew how to relate to young readers at their level. She was vital, funny, and compassionate. She knew how kids felt, what made them laugh, what they wore, collected, read, and played with. From collecting novelty toys that would make any teacher cringe, to wearing jangly earrings, funky glasses and shoes covered with beads and sequins, Paula Danziger had a direct line into kids' hearts and funnybones. She will be missed always.
In Paula's memory, The Amber Brown Fund has been established to bring authors and illustrators to schools and libraries which otherwise could not afford them. Donations may be sent to The Amber Brown Fund/ SCBWI Museum of Children’s Books, 8271 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048.
Tony Ross lives in London, England.
★ “The humor from the original novel is left intact. . . Amber Brown is most definitely not a crayon—as she tells classmates who tease her about her name—but her world tends to assume a stylized palette that sets the tone of each scene. . . A faithfully executed adaptation worth visiting for new and returning readers.”
–Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“A charming reimagining of Paula Danziger’s original. . . Ying’s warm, expressive illustrations do a great job of imbuing the characters with emotion, and Amber’s iconic pigtails take on a life of their own in each panel. . . Highly recommended for younger fans of ‘The Baby-Sitter’s Club’ graphic novel series.”
—School Library Journal“Amber is a spirited, quirky, and charmingly relatable character, and Victoria Ying’s illustrations have brought those characteristics to life on every page, enhancing Paula Danziger’s signature humor. Paula would love this.” —
Ann M. Martin, author of the Babysitters Club series
“No one is cuter, funnier and more trouble than Amber Brown in this graphic novel. I love her.” —
Francine Pascal, author of the Sweet Valley Twins series
“Funny and engaging,
Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon is a charming take on a classic.” —
Terri Libenson, creator of the
NYT bestselling Emmie & Friends series
“Paula Danziger’s irrepressible, charming, hilarious and very messy third grader bursts with life in Victoria Ying’s winning and wonderful graphic novel adaptation.”
—Brian Selznick, Caldecott Medal-winning author/illustrator of
The Invention of Hugo Cabret Praise for the original Amber Brown Is not a Crayon:"Danziger reaches out to a younger audience in this funny, touching slice of third-grade live, told in the voice of a feisty, lovable heroine." —
School Library Journal, starred review“Danziger [has] a pitch-perfect view of a child’s emotions.” —
Kirkus Reviews, starred review“This heroine’s perky, first-person narrative allows readers to make her acquaintance immediately—and effortlessly.” —
Publishers Weekly, starred review
