University of Minnesota Children’s Literature Research Library
From about age 11, to age 13, I kept a secret notebook. NO ONE was allowed to look inside unless I said they could. I only recall granting viewing permission to my younger sister and my best friend. In my notebook, I was constantly sketching characters and scenarios and writing out plots for stories. I began writing a few but didn’t finish a single one. As I’ve grown older and read more about how authors write books, I realize that what I was doing in keeping a notebook was the same thing authors do when they prepare to write a book.
The University of Minnesota Anderson Library Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature includes the personal working papers of many, many authors. A visit to this library allows you the rare chance to basically look at an author’s “secret notebook” and see the steps involved in writing a book.
At the University of Minnesota Anderson Library, I really enjoyed reading Kate DiCamillo’s letters to and from her editor and the drafts and rewrites of her bestselling book Because of Winn-Dixie. When I looked over Wanda Ga’g‘s papers, I was able to hold her hand-drawn doodles and sketches in my hands. I also read letters she wrote to her sister Flavia and found out that “Flops” was her nickname for her. This was fun to see because someone in my family has the same nickname.
Go to https://www.lib.umn.edu/circ, click on the link to the Kerlan Collection on the left, and then go to the bottom of the page and click on the Kerlan Collection Finding Aids in order to scroll through a list of authors to see which authors’ papers are housed at the University of Minnesota. The library is open to the public, but plan your visit in advance by contacting the library and requesting which author’s papers you would like to view. You will also need to register as a researcher at the time of your visit.
Who Can Participate?
You don’t have to be an adult to do all this. Children are welcome if they have adult supervision. You’ll be given a pair of white cotton gloves to wear while you handle these one-of-a-kind, historical papers.
Young children who aren’t ready to engage in research may enjoy the children’s book exhibits on the first floor of Anderson Library. For those who need an outdoor break, there’s a beautiful view of the Mississippi River a short walk from the building. Something for everyone!
This is the second stop on Minnesota Author Adventures Trail Part One.
Rebecca Blake Beech
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