November 2, 2006
Richard Peck to give Shaw lecture Nov. 15
Richard Peck, the only children’s book author ever to receive the National Humanities Medal, will be the featured speaker at the 2006 Spencer G. Shaw Lecture at the UW.
Peck, author of more than 25 novels and recognized as one of America’s most respected writers of novels for young adults, will give a talk entitled Voices in an Empty Room: Five Apologies for the Narrative, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, in 220 Kane.
Peck is the author of such acclaimed books as Here Lies the Librarian, The River Between Us, and A Year Down Under, which won the 2001 John Newbery Medal in children’s literature. He received the National Humanities Medal in 2001.
In the lecture, Peck will discuss his writing career and his origins as a teacher. He also will read from his forthcoming novel, On the Wings of Heroes, a coming-of-age story set during World War II.
A native of Illinois, Peck has written a range of books for young adults. He has written thought-provoking stories dealing with such issues as death, suicide, rape, and censorship. Yet he has also written heartwarming and humorous stories such as his Newbery Honor winning A Long Way From Chicago and A Year Down Under.
In addition, he has written a popular series of books about Blossom Culp, who has the gift of second sight, and is contacted by ghosts from through the centuries.
His books have received or been finalists for the Newbery, the National Book Award, American Library Association Notable Books, American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults, and the Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America. He is the winner of the 1990 Margaret A. Edwards Award, a prestigious award sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association of the American Library Association in cooperation with School Library Journal.
A native of Decatur, Ill., Peck says, “I want to write novels that ask honest questions about serious issues. A novel is never an answer; it’s always a question.”
The lecture runs from 7-8 p.m. and will be followed by a reception from 8-9 p.m. in the Walker-Ames Room of Kane Hall.
The Spencer G. Shaw Lecture is an annual event that focuses on literature and library service for children and young adults. It is funded by the Spencer G. Shaw Lectureship fund in honor of Professor Emeritus Spencer Shaw, a renowned librarian, storyteller, teacher and UW faculty member.
The lecture is sponsored by the UW Alumni Association and the Information School at the UW. Tickets are is $4 for UW Alumni Association members and $5 for others. To register, visit www.uwalum.com or call the UW Alumni Association at 206-543-0540.
