William Sleator

I regret to announce that YA author William Sleator  died suddenly in Thailand, at age 66.  Bill was one of the handful of writers who solidified the newly-created YA field in the early 1970s.  His writing career lasted 41 years, and his 1974 book, HOUSE OF STAIRS, was named one of the 100 Best Books of the 20th Century by the New York Times,   His last book, THE PHANTOM LIMB, will be published this fall.  Bill made  kids--boys especially--want to read.  Early in his career, Bill supported himself as a rehearsal pianist for the Boston Ballet.  He was able to give up that job in 1986 and write full time.  Bill loved meeting with his audience and was a frequent presenter at libraries and schools. Bill traveled extensively and divided his time between Boston, Massachusetts and rural Thailand.

--Stephen Weiner, Director, Maynard Public Library