betty miles
Betty Miles wrote more than thirty books for children, including easy readers, picture books, non-fiction books and nine novels for pre-adolescent readers. Her book HEY! I’M READING! is the first book about reading, written for new readers and their families.
Miles was an editor of the innovative Bank Street Readers. She has taught kindergarten children, graduate students, and volunteered as a visiting author in fourth grade classrooms at PS 291. Bronx, NY. She spoke and read workshops on reading and writing with children, parents, librarians, and teachers around the country. Betty Miles was a graduate of Antioch College. She taught children’s literature at Bank Street College of Education. Miles died on July 19, 2018 at her home in Shelburne, Vt. She was 90. She is survived by three children, Sara, David, and Ellen Miles (herself a middle grade author), and three grandchildren.
“It seemed strange that someone as old as Aunt Sylvia would talk about growing up. In a way I'm not sure i like the idea that you always keep on doing it. It seems sort of tiring. And then, people don't automatically do it right.”
“I hate that word boobs. I wish people wouldn't say it, especially girls. It's like calling your own body stupid.”
“If you're feeling bad for any reason, going to the mall always makes you feel worse. It's so glarey and noisy. The stores are full of things you think you might like until you get close and see how stupid they are.”