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Iowa Author Olympics

It’s been such a long winter.  It seems like the only people who don’t care if spring is coming soon are kids who love to sled and adults leaving for a tropical vacation.  Maybe the weather plays into the creativity and writing talents...for example, people feel more like hibernating and reading or writing when the snow is piled up high and falling on ice becomes a daily threat.   One way or another, there is a wealth of fine writing done by Iowa authors.  If you feel like staying inside and would like a little challenge, try my Iowa Author Olympics.  If you complete it accurately, you will receive your choice of a coupon for a free book from the Friends Book Store, $2.00 of free printing at the library, or $2.00 off your library fine!  Match the clues with the correct author.  Good luck!

1.        This Cedar Falls native wrote Miss Bishop and Song of Years.

2.       An immigrant from the Philippines and long-time resident of Independence shares her life story in Beyond the Pier.

3.        Julia Roberts starred in this author’s book that was made into a movie…it was set in Cedar Falls, but not filmed there.

4.       This Pulitzer Prize winning author of A Thousand Acres received degrees from the U of I and taught at Iowa State for many years.

5.       The author of a humorous autobiography about growing up in Des Moines in the 50s.

6.       Dewey know Spencer, Iowa’s famous library director?

7.       This prolific romance writer graduated from high school in Independence.

8.       Carl Houseman is a sheriff’s deputy, just like the Elkader, Iowa author used to be.

9.       Otherwise known as Carolyn Keene, this author wrote many of the Nancy Drew books.

10.   This Dubuque author debuted in 2009 with The Weight of Silence.

11.   This 42-year veteran teacher of 1500 students is the author of a book for parents and one for teachers.

12.   Commonly known as Ann Landers and Dear Abby’s twin sister.

13.   A Burlington native most famous for A Sand County Almanac.

14.   Her book about a scientist named Bentley won the prestigious Caldecott Medal.

A.      Vicki Myron

B.      Esther Lederer

C.      Nancy Price

D.      Janet Dailey

E.       Bill Bryson

F.       Bess Streeter Aldrich

G.     Jacquelyn Briggs Martin

H.      Heather Gudenkauf

I.        Aldo Leopold

J.        Mildred Wirt Benson

K.      Jacquie McTaggart

L.       Donald Harstad

M.    Gloria Mohlis

N.     Jane Smiley

Bring in your completed list to the library to claim your prize!  I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know a sampling of our Iowa authors! 

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