Author Spotlight: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Her “Alice” books are among the most challenged in the country, criticized by parents as being too frank about sexual feelings and other issues. They’re also among the most beloved books by young readers, especially pre-teen and teen-aged girls, who say that Alice is a girl “just like me.”

 

Recently, “Alice” author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor wrapped up her popular series by publishing a 28^th – and final – volume called “Now I’ll Tell You Everything.” Naylor also embarked on a nationwide tour to talk to “Alice” fans, and her first stop was at my library. 

In her visit, co-sponsored by Politics & Prose bookstore, Naylor entranced the audience with tales from her own life as well as a behind-the-scenes look at how she came up with the character of “Alice” and how the series grew.

John Pitt, a videographer with the City of Takoma Park’s Communications Department, filmed Naylor’s talk as well as interviews with audience members, me and Naylor herself. The result is a fascinating look at this Newbery Medal-winning author and the world of the “Alice” books.

For more about Naylor and the “Alice” books, also check out this article I wrote in my previous life as a columnist for Scripps Howard.