Curtis wrote during his 30-minute breaks. GM's loss was publishing's gain. Last week, the American Library Association announced that Bud, Not Buddy, Curtis's second novel for young readers, was the first to win both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for African-American writers. Only Bud's sense of humor and weird slang keep the story light. But a story about his grandfather, a '30s band leader, took over, and Bud was born.
Some critics say the plot is tied up a little too neatly.
Modern experts use animal fat, sand, and other odd tools in this informative, amusing five-parter. EBay auctions off the 25-ton replica obelisk, starting January 26. Arthur Rubinstein admired Rubinsky's authoritative piano-playing. Saxophonist Sikes is a symphony soloist. Smells like . . .