Little by Little: 9a Writer's Education

This memoir by the prize-winning Canadian children's author invites comparison with Beverly Cleary's recent A Girl from Yamhill. But, even though both authors started writing at early ages and both loved to read, partly to shield themselves from pain, they led profoundly different lives. Born nearly blind in 1932 (among other visual impairments, her eyes were crossed), Little was ostracized by classmates and longed for a close friend. Fortunately, her parentsmedical doctorswere attentive and well-informed about her condition but careful not to be too protective. In high school, Little began ``sorting out when and whether belonging really mattered,'' a theme that has nearly universal appeal. This is one of the better children's books about becoming a writer, but it is also a poised account of growing up with a disability, and no line separates the two. Little makes a gift of herself to readersfunny, spirited and whole. Ages 10-14. (May)