Meet Jane Kurtz, Author, Traveler, Teacher
Jane Kurtz is a prolific writer and has contributed a large body of work to children's literature, especially in the multicultural category. Jane's unique childhood provides her with and unending source of possibilities for her books. Jane spent her childhood growing up in Ethiopia, thanks to her missionary parents. This "magical" experience shaped Jane's life and of course constantly influences her work. Her books provide readers with a look into different cultures and provide readers with a strong and inspirational protagonist. "Jakarta Missing", "Saba, "Under the Hyena's Foot" and "Storytellers Beads" are examples of female protagonists that are strong and positive role models. Her most recent biographical work about Francis Willard also reveals to readers an example of a woman who took a leadership role that took courage and dedication and helped to gain rights for women.
Jane won the distinctive Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrator's Golden Kite Award in 2000 for her book "River Friendly, River Wild". This book is the tragic story of the flooding of the Red River in Grand Forks, North Dakota where Jane lived at the time. Jane also has the unique distinction of being one of fourteen authors invited by Laura Bush to the special inaugural celebration of reading in January 2001.
Jane's unique childhood background has served her well in her writing and in her efforts to promote literacy in Ethiopia. She was invited to serve on the board of directors of the Ethiopian Books for Children and Education Fund. This organization is dedicated to placing books into the hands of Ethiopian families. Please visit their website. Proceeds of Jane's book, "Only A Pigeon" will benefit the EBCEF.
http://www.addslife.com/ebcef/
Jane has also published and copublished professional books for teachers and library media specialists. Two of her books were cowritten with Librarian of the Year winner, Toni Buzzeo. These books are excellent professional resources for teachers. They include:
"The American Southwest" "35 Best Books for Teaching U. S. Regions" "Terrific Connections with Authors"
Please take a minute and visit Jane's excellent website at: http://www.janekurtz.com
I had the pleasure of interviewing Jane via email.
1.Sue: Most of your novels include very strong female protagnists, is this a deliberate choice meant to send a message?
Jane: As I'd guess is the case with most modern writers, I'm uncomfortable with the thought of writing a book specifically to send a message. No one likes to be scolded or hit over the head, and reading is supposed to be an experience of intense pleasure. It is for me! I will admit, though, that I think many of my books have life's wisdom embedded in them...messages about hope and determination and compassion and the power of kindness. When it comes to the strong women in my books, though, I'd have to say they come from growing up in a family with five girls and one sensitive boy. My mom claims that she's not a feminist and has no idea why she raised such strong daughters, but she really was a model for us in terms of a woman who was courageous enough to go to Ethiopia in the 1950s and, though she never worked outside the home, was always curious and involved in her community...and a great reader. She went back to college and finished her degree with my youngest sister, Jan. They both graduated from Portland State University at about the same time. In her 70s, she still takes Spanish classes and travels to places such as Cuba, Hungary, and Ethiopia. My dad, too, pushed his family of girls to be independent and work hard and believe we could make a difference in the world.
Latest Articles