The Newbery Award was created by the American Library Association (ALA) in 1922. Its mission was "to recognize authors and individual stories that contribute to the literature of children" and further "to give librarians an opportunity to encourage good writing." Gareth Stevens Publishing is pleased to support the aims of the ALA with The Newbery Authors Collection, an anthology series featuring selections from the lifework of winners and honorees. A portion of all proceeds will be given to the ALA.From fantasy stories by such twentieth century greats as Madeleine L'Engle and Robin McKinley to real-world stories from the likes of Jean Craighead George, Walter D. Edmonds, Christopher Paul Curtis, and Richard Peck, the tales that fill these volumes contain abundant evidence of the many themes, characters, and writing skills that blossomed among Newbery winners. As a reference series, an introduction to great writers, or "just good reading, " these volumes offer representative stories from award-winning authors. They also offer biographies and more at an interest level appropriate for young readers, reluctant readers, blossoming young authors, and adults alike.From the fantasy travels of "The Wise Soldier of Sellebak, " by Nancy Willard, to the ghostly Louisiana tale "Shadows, " by Richard Peck, winner of the 2001 Newbery Medal, this volume offers readers of many ages and backgrounds a collection of great stories by great writers.