Reading lists and articles featuring Jeane Birdsall

Jeane Birdsall Biography

Jeane Birdsall is an American author known for her children’s books. She was born on February 26, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Birdsall grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and was the second of three sisters. She developed a love for reading and writing at a young age, which eventually led her to pursue a career as a writer.

Birdsall attended the University of Rochester, where she studied English and theater. After graduating, she worked various jobs, including as a photographer’s assistant and a legal secretary. During this time, she continued to write and submit her work to publishers.

Birdsall’s breakthrough came in 2005 with the publication of her first book, “The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy.” The book received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. It was also a New York Times bestseller.

Following the success of “The Penderwicks,” Birdsall went on to write four more books in the series: “The Penderwicks on Gardam Street” (2008), “The Penderwicks at Point Mouette” (2011), “The Penderwicks in Spring” (2015), and “The Penderwicks at Last” (2018). The series follows the adventures of the Penderwick sisters and has garnered a loyal fan base.

In addition to the Penderwicks series, Birdsall has written other standalone books, including “Flora’s Very Windy Day” (2010) and “Lucky and Squash” (2012). Her books often explore themes of family, friendship, and the joys and challenges of growing up.

Birdsall’s work has been widely recognized and celebrated in the literary world. In addition to winning the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, she has received numerous other accolades, including the Massachusetts Book Award and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award.