Richard Peck
Biography
Richard Peck was a renowned American author known for his captivating and humorous tales, particularly in his acclaimed series, A Long Way From Chicago. Born on April 5, 1934, in Decatur, Illinois, Peck spent his childhood in a rural setting that greatly influenced his writing style. Peck's career as an author began in 1970 with the publication of his first novel, "Don't Look and It Won't Hurt." However, it was his A Long Way From Chicago series that brought him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. The series follows the adventures of Joey and Mary Alice Dowdel as they spend summers with their eccentric grandmother in a small town in Illinois during the Great Depression. Throughout his career, Peck received numerous accolades for his work, including the Newbery Medal for "A Year Down Yonder" in 2001. He was also a National Humanities Medal recipient in 2002 for his contributions to American literature. Richard Peck's unique storytelling style and ability to capture the essence of small-town America have solidified his place as a beloved author in the hearts of readers of all ages. He passed away on May 23, 2018, leaving behind a literary legacy that continues to inspire and entertain.
Standalone Novels
Individual novels by Richard Peck not part of a series
- A Long Way from Chicago
- A Long Way from Chicago: A Novel in Stories
- A Year Down Yonder
- Amanda Miranda
- Amanda/Miranda
- Are You in the House Alone?
- Close Enough to Touch
- Close enough to touch
- DREADFUL FUTURE OF THE BLOSSOM CULP, THE
- Don't Look and It Won't Hurt )
- Fair Weather
- Ghosts I Have Been
- Ghosts I Have Been/Dreadful Future of Blossom Culp Flip Book
- London Holiday
- Long Way From Chicago
- Lost in Cyberspace
- New York time
- Princess Ashley
- Remembering the Good Times
- Representing Super Doll
- Second Sight : Stories for a New Millennium
- Secrets of the Shopping Mall
- Something for Joey
- Sounds and Silences: Poetry for Now
- The Dreadful Future of Blossom Culp
- The Ghost Belonged to Me
- The Ghost Belonged to Me:
- The Last Safe Place on Earth
- The River Between Us
- Those Summer Girls I Never Met
- Through a Brief Darkness
- Voices After Midnight
Classic Series
The series that started it all
- A Long Way From Chicago
Recent Series
Latest works by the author
- A Year Down Yonder
Reading Order
Complete reading order for Richard Peck's books
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A Long Way From Chicago series about?
The series follows two siblings, Joey and Mary Alice, as they spend their summers with their quirky grandmother in a small town during the Great Depression.
How many books are in the A Long Way From Chicago series?
There are two books in the series: A Long Way From Chicago and A Year Down Yonder.
What awards has Richard Peck won for his A Long Way From Chicago series?
Richard Peck won the Newbery Honor for A Long Way From Chicago and the Newbery Medal for A Year Down Yonder.
Are the books in the A Long Way From Chicago series suitable for children?
Yes, the series is appropriate for children and has been well-received by young readers.
Has Richard Peck written any other popular books besides the A Long Way From Chicago series?
Yes, Richard Peck has written many other popular books such as The Ghost Belonged to Me, Ghosts I Have Been, and The Teacher's Funeral.