Andrew Clements, beloved author of numerous children's and YA titles including Frindle, which has sold over six million copies, died November 29. He was 70. Early in his career, Clements helped a friend launch a company--first called Alphabet Press and then Picture Book Studio--that imported high quality children’s books from Europe. It was during that period when he began writing picture book texts.
"As sales manager, I got to work with a terrific crew of people who quickly taught me about the publishing business," Clements had recalled on his website. "As editorial director, I got to work with wonderfully talented authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators. I met people there who became life-long friends. And while there, my own first picture books were published, and they kept coming."
Clements's first and most popular novel, Frindle, was published in 1996 and "is a favorite of many children and adults," his obituary in the Portland Press Herald said, adding that he "went on to write 90 books for children, most published by Simon & Schuster and Random House. He was assisted in his work by many talented editors, illustrators, and publicists. Andrew especially valued the friendship and guidance of his literary agent Amy Berkower of Writers House, who advised him throughout his long career."
Other books by Clements include The Losers Club, No Talking, The Last Holiday Concert, The Report Card, Lunch Money, Things Not Seen and A Week in the Woods. His last book, The Friendship War, a middle grade title, was published last February. His honors include a Phoenix Award for Frindle, a Christopher Award for both Frindle and Extra Credit, and an Edgar Award for Room One: A Mystery or Two.
"Sometimes kids ask how I've been able to write so many books," Clements observed on his website. "The answer is simple: one word at a time. Which is a good lesson, I think. You don't have to do everything at once. You don't have to know how every story is going to end. You just have to take that next step, look for that next idea, write that next word. And growing up, it's the same way. We just have to go to that next class, read that next chapter, help that next person. You simply have to do that next good thing, and before you know it, you're living a good life."