Notable Social Studies Trade Books
January 1, 1970
The NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Committee recently informed me that both Battling in the Pacific: Soldiering in World War II and Roman Legions on the March: Soldiering in the Ancient Roman Army have been selected for Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2008, a cooperative project of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and the Children’s Book Council.Like most authors, I don't write for the critics, I write for myself. I write because there are stories that I want to tell and both of these stories are favorites of mine.
My father served in the Pacific theatre in World War II. He was a gunner's mate in the United States Navy. I grew up on stories of that war, so it was a natural choice to write about.
The Romans are my hobby. I am fascinated both to read about them and to visit places associated with them. Writing about them was great fun because it sent me back to the original sources to review and expand my knowledge about them.
I wonder if reviewers can tell when an author really loves what he or she is writing about!!!