Community Corner
Five Great Authors
"Read Across America" is being observed this week to encourage children to learn and be entertained through books—not just computers, TV and gaming devices.
1. Dr. Seuss
The National Education Association's "Read Across America Day" is observed on March 2, the birthday of the late Dr. Seuss. The first book of Theodor Seuss Geisel was rejected by 30 publishers before he found a publisher. Besides writing, Dr. Seuss was equally accomplished as an illustrator for his books.
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This year is the 75th anniversary of the publication of Gone with the Wind. Author Margaret Mitchell began her professional writing career as a reporter for the Atlanta Journal Sunday Magazine. She wrote her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel in the basement apartment of what is now the downtown campus of the Atlanta History Center. Translated into more than 40 languages, her novel still is one of the best-selling books of all time.
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An Atlanta Constitution editor became a well-known author of children's books. Known as the Wren's Nest and located in West End, the home of Joel Chandler Harris was where he wrote his Uncle Remus stories about most notably Brer Rabbit. Also translated into more than 40 languages, his stories popularized the African-American folklore movement. His stories became even more popular when Walt Disney-produced "The Song of the South." The Splash Mountain ride at Walt Disney World in Florida continues to feature some of Harris's characters.
4. Mark Twain
A friend and contemporary of Harris was Mark Twain, whose real name was Samuel Clemens. Not a day goes by without hearing someone quote Mark Twain, a prolific writer who grew up on the banks of the Mississippi River in Hannibal, Mo. Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn are among many of his best-known characters.
5. Roald Dahl
The late Welsh author of children's books is best known for James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda. This week the Main Street Players Kids will present "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" at the Dallas Theater, 208 Main St.
When Charlie Bucket, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Mike Teavee and Violet Beauregarde tour Willy Wonka's fantastic Chocolate Factory, they learn a few lessons along the way.
Show dates and times will be:
- Friday, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, 7 p.m.
- Sunday, 3 p.m.
- Friday, March 11, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, March 12, 7 p.m.
- Sunday, March 13, 3 p.m.
