Educational Book and Media Association - 2 views
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Critics noted that Haddix relies on a much more familiar set-up for her second novel, placing Tish Bonner, the main character in Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey, in an English class where she is required to keep a journal, giving the reader an insider's view of her troubles.
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. The same writer further described this second book as a "tough-edged if familiar story of a beleaguered high school girl" who confides all her difficulties in her diary.
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After becoming the mother of two children, Meredith and Connor, Haddix admitted "amuse(ment) that I felt like I didn't have enough time to write before they were born. It's much harder now. . . . And a lot of times when I'm doing the ordinary things that go along with having two kids, a husband, and a house . . . I'm listening to a voice in my head insisting, 'Write about me!' or suggesting things like, 'What if Dorry's dad confronts her before she goes to the mall?' Now, I'll be the first to admit that it sounds a little weird to have voices talking in my head, but I wouldn't have it any other way."
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Critics responded positively to the theme of this futuristic novel, applauding, as did a Publishers Weekly contributor, for example, "the unsettling, thought-provoking premise (which) should suffice to keep readers hooked."
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Born April 9, 1964, in Washington Court House, OH; daughter of John Albert (a farmer) and Marilee Grace (a nurse; maiden name, Greshel) Peterson; married Doug Haddix (a newspaper editor), October 3, 1987; children: Meredith, Connor. Avocation: Travel. Education: Miami University, B.A. (English; summa cum laude), 1986. Religion: Presbyterian. Memberships: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Phi Beta Kappa. Addresses: Agent--Tracey Adams, McIntoch & Otis, 353 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10016.