You will be missed, Barbara Park

Tragic news in the world of childrens books Friday with the passing of Barbara Park, author of the beloved Junie B. Jones series.  Ms. Park was 66 years old and died after a long battle with ovarian cancer.  She was a long-time resident of Scottsdale Arizona.
The author was always known for her witty personality.  As a child, she was a good student, but a little too chatty.  She was a troublemaker and spent plenty of time visiting with her elementary school principal.  She loved reading and making people laugh.  Junie B. was based on herself as a young girl.   Since 1992, she wrote more than 30 books in the series.  When asked about the success of the books, she told Publishers Weekly, “For 20 years I’ve gotten to laugh my way through my work,” she says. “For me, that’s a dream job.”
As a thank you, laugh your way though one of her books.  In addition to Junie B., she has picture books and middle grade novels.
 --Angie RH, HQ