David A. Adler
David A. Adler
Full Name and Common Aliases
David A. Adler is a renowned American author of children's books, best known for his engaging stories that promote social awareness and education.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on January 2, 1947, in New York City, USA, David A. Adler has been a prolific writer for over four decades.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Adler is an American author, educator, and historian, specializing in writing children's literature that addresses complex social issues.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Adler developed a love for reading at an early age. He was particularly drawn to historical fiction and non-fiction books, which sparked his interest in history and education. After completing his high school education, Adler attended Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in History and Education.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Adler has published over 90 children's books, including award-winning titles such as _The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure_ and _A Picture of Freedom_. His works have been translated into more than 30 languages, making him one of the most widely read authors in the world. Adler is also a renowned historian, having written extensively on topics such as the American Revolution and the Civil Rights Movement.
Notable Works or Actions
Adler's notable works include:
_The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure_, which won the 2000 Caldecott Medal
_A Picture of Freedom_, which explores the life of Frederick Douglass and his fight for abolition
* _Who Was...?_ series, which introduces readers to historical figures such as Albert Einstein and Harriet Tubman
Impact and Legacy
Adler's contributions to children's literature have been nothing short of remarkable. His stories not only entertain but also educate, promoting critical thinking and social awareness among young readers. As an educator, Adler has worked tirelessly to develop reading programs that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
David A. Adler is widely quoted and remembered for his innovative approach to storytelling, which makes complex historical events accessible to children of all ages. His commitment to promoting social awareness and education has earned him numerous accolades, including the National Education Association's Children's Book Award.
Quotes by David A. Adler
My first biography was 'Our Golda: The Life of Golda Meir.' To research that book, I bought a 1905 set of encyclopedias. Those books told me what each of the places Golda Meir lived in were like when she lived there.
I write about people I think are interesting, and then I discuss it with my editor, and she decides if she thinks it will be interesting to children as well. If I have no great interest in the subject, I find the work to be terribly boring. And if I find the person interesting, I love the research part and, by extension, the writing as well.
I love to write. I used to be a math teacher. And I like the idea that other people could write about the same subjects, but no one would write it just the way I do. It's very individual: a child could write the same story as somebody else, but it wouldn't come out the same.
I love math and was a math teacher for many years, so it was fun for me to write several math books, including 'Fraction Fun,' 'Calculator Riddles,' and 'Shape Up!' 'Fun with Triangles and Other Polygons.'
I don't plan on writing biographies of great sports stars who are still playing ball. But I did write one on Jackie Robinson, who was playing ball in the 20th century.
For my books of nonfiction I write about subjects I find fascinating. I've been a Yankees and a Lou Gehrig fan for decades, so I wrote 'Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man.' It's more the story of his great courage than of his baseball playing. Children face all sorts of challenges, and it's my hope that some will be inspired by the courage of Lou Gehrig.
'One Yellow Daffodil' is both a look to the past and to the future and expresses my belief in the great spirit and strength of our children.
It's important to begin a biography or any book or story with something to draw the reader in.
I write both fiction and nonfiction. I begin my fiction with the main character. The story comes later.
Dreamers become writers, and for me, being a published writer is a dream come true.