When I was in elementary school, all through high school, I hated to read. (Keep in mind this was about 100 years ago) I read ONLY what was required. I wasn’t a sloucher in school. As a matter of fact my grades were quite good, but I always thought I had way better things to do with my time than sit still and read.
Then I got married and had a baby. It was only then, did I start reading. Who knew you could escape reality in a good book! I have been reading ever since. I am a very slow reader and I honest believe it is because I started reading so late.
This is only one of the reasons I decided to write for the middle grade kiddos. I worked as a school secretary for 21 years. I watched all the little ones, kindergarten – third grades, pour over books in the library. They wanted to check them all out and would show anybody who would listen about the treasure they had found. Not so much with the older kids.
When I asked some of the kids, who were sent up to the office for one reason or another, why they didn’t read, I heard myself talking so many years ago. So sad!
The kids of today have to be readers to make it in this world. I believe that with all my heart. I figured I would try to write stories that were fun and adventurous and would pull the kids in and keep them interested. Even children need to escape reality sometimes. My hope is I have done exactly that!
A little bit about Penny...
I was a school secretary for 21 years. We moved to our retirement home in Kingman, AZ, on very rural 54 acres. We are on solar and wind. A real adjustment for a city girl, but I love it. At night, the sky is an explosion of stars. It is breathtaking!
You can find out more about my books and myself at http://www.pennystales.com or www.pennyestelle.blogspot.com. Please stop by anytime. I love visitors!
Hike Up Devil’s Mountain
http://www.amazon.com/Hike-up-Devils-Mountain-ebook/dp/B0058DE9YC
Billy Cooper’s Awesome Nightmare – Book 1 of the Wickware Sagas
http://www.amazon.com/Coopers-Awesome-Nightmare-Wickware
ebook/dp/B0088HTJ9U
Ride of a Lifetime – Book 2 of the Wickware Sagas
http://www.amazon.com/Ride-Lifetime-Wickware-Sagas-ebook/dp/B00D91Z1JM
A Float Down the Canal
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CUQEZYE