Realistic Fiction

Growing up, I really connected with the realistic fiction genre. That's not to say I didn't enjoy other selections as well, but some of my absolute favorites came from this genre. One of my earliest book series fascinations was Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie. I started reading the books in elementary school--probably second grade or so. I tore through each novel, relishing each word and waiting for the next adventure. As I read, my world was transformed into a simpler time, and I became Laura. I imagined myself running barefoot across the prairie, hot sun beating down on my back, with my faithful dog running alongside. Laura's family somehow became my family, though I realize her story happened hundreds of years before my own. My mother even sewed me a calico dress (and a matching one for my yarn doll, which I carefully crafted from Laura's description of her doll, of course). I became a cardholding member of the Laura Ingalls Wilder fanclub (seriously), and I even bought a Little House on the Prairie cookbook. I still remember trying recipes like griddle cakes and popcorn & milk. With each step, I felt more and more like Laura. After I finished the series, I was thrilled to find books which Laura's daughter and granddaughter wrote. Books like these inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning, and they are of utmost importance in every bookworm's library!

Significant Influence

As a child, I spent every spare moment engrossed in a book. My love of reading stemmed from my family, who constantly read to me. My kindergarten-teaching mother also greatly influenced my love of language and books.

Growing up, the first books I learned to read were A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh series. Even before I learned to read, I loved Pooh. Mom videotaped three-year-old me as I sat in the hallway with a bowl of popcorn, a glass of milk, and a tale of my beloved bear and his quirky

friends. I was convinced that I knew how to read, but really I was making up the story as I turned each page.

Winnie the Pooh was my first obsession. Pooh books, movies, and stuffed animals filled my bookshelves. After I actually learned how to read, Pooh helped me to discover that books were capable of transforming my world into something completely different. Within moments of turning the first page, I was suddenly playing Poohsticks and having adventures in the "Hunner" Acre Wood. I was so enthralled with Pooh's world that I copied Christopher Robin's outfit--

yellow shirt, jean shorts, and red shoes--nearly every day.

I credit Mr. Milne and his highly exciting creations for piquing my love of reading. Growing older, I have not been able to read for pleasure as much as I want to. Young Adult literature is my favorite genre, so I am eager to explore new texts and find new favorites in this class!!!!