Calvin Alexander Ramsey is the author of the new children's picture book The Library in the Woods. His other books include Ruth and the Green Book. He is also a playwright, and he lives in Atlanta and in New York City.
Q: How much was The Library in the Woods inspired by family history?
A: It is a fictional account of my childhood in rural North Carolina, mixed in with true facts, especially the African American library and the close-knit African American community. My brother’s love of books and helping my father with reading are also true items.
Q: Did you need to do much additional research to write the book, and if so, did you learn anything that especially surprised you?
A: My research was living through that period of time and interacting with the citizens there, both Black and White. I found, believe it or not, kindness from both groups, with friendships still intact.
Q: What do you think R. Gregory Christie’s illustrations add to the story?
A: Christie's illustrations are spot on and very moving.
Q: The Kirkus Review of the book called it a “tribute to a community treasure, understated but rich in feeling.” What do you think of that description?
A: I cannot argue with a Kirkus Review. It’s my third positive one.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I have a musical on the Queen of the Blues Dinah Washington, with Brook Benton.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I have started work on a drama on the life and works of Civil Rights legend Whitney M. Young Jr. (The Center of the Storm). Young is almost a forgotten man of the Civil Rights Movement.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
Can’t wait to read the book. This is a great interview.
ReplyDeleteHappy to have more to look forward to from my favorite author.
Congrats, Calvin. Keep up the good work!
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