Byars, Betsy (1928–)

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Byars, Betsy (1928–)

American children's writer. Born Betsy Cromer, Aug 7, 1928, in Charlotte, North Carolina; dau. of George Guy (cottonmill executive) and Nan (Rugheimer) Cromer; attended Furman University, 1946–48; Queens College, BA, 1950; m. Edward Ford Byars (professor of engineering), June 24, 1950; children: Laurie, Betsy Ann, Nan, Guy.

Prolific writer of children's novels in contemporary realist style, became interested in writing while reading to own children; came to prominence with The Summer of the Swans (1970), which was awarded the Newbery Medal; wrote 50 books, including The Night Swimmers, winner of the American Book Award (1981) and Wanted … Mud Blossom, winner of The Edgar for best young people's mystery (1992); produced several popular series: "Bingo Brown," "Blossoms," "Golly Sisters," and "Herculeah Jones"; other writings include The Eighteenth Emergency (1973), Goodbye, Chicken Little (1979), The Animal, The Vegetable, and John D Jones (1982), Beans on the Roof (1988) and Tornado (1995). Honored with Regina Medal by Catholic Library Association for body of work.

See also autobiography, Betsy Byars (Chelsea House, 2002).