I consider myself a well-read person and someone who is well versed in children literature. Which is why I am ashamed to admit that I knew nothing of Eleanor Cameron, her life, body of work, or her legacy. This book was both riveting and revelatory for me. I'm glad it made it into my radar...and that I was approved for this ARC..

I loved reading this Biography of author Eleanor Cameron. He has researched her archives to create a wonderful behind the scenes look at her writing. Most of the book is concentrated on her writing not her personal life except how it shaped her writing. I really like reading the letters between her and her editors discussing a book. Choosing an illustrator, cover, title, and even the font. I was familiar with her young adult books but I was not aware of all the literary criticism she wrote or that she was one of the first to take children's literature seriously. The awards ceremonies and speeches she gives prove interesting. She always spoke her mind. The book is arranged chronologically and follows her rise and eventual decline through her writing. The text is accompanied with photographs. The book a scholarly look at her work but is easy to read. Anyone who has enjoyed her books will love this.