Beth Anderson, Children's Writer

Reading and books are near and dear to the hearts of so many of us. Here librarian Ronni Diamondstein shares her path to the heart of her new book JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED, finding connection in a love of reading and writing. 

Giveaway! Ronni is offering a signed copy of her book to one lucky commenter on the blog! 

Congratulations to Carol Baldwin, winner of Nancy Churnin’s VALENTINES FOR ALL! 

A Love of Reading That Guided the Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

by Ronni Diamondstein

Jackie and the Books She Loved was a labor of love that took many years to get to the heart of the story.

I have always admired Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. I remember when John F. Kennedy became the President of the United States and Jackie became the First Lady. He had a great influence on my life with his words, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country. ” And Jackie was so special. I remember the White House restoration, Jackie’s unique voice and how she led the country mourning our fallen leader when JFK was assassinated.

I became a school librarian and immersed myself in the world of children’s literature. Books and reading became central in my life. Writing and creating opportunities for writers was important to me too. I ran writers’ workshops and open mikes for writers.

After Jackie passed away in 1994, I had an idea for a novel about her. I began my research and started interviewing people. When I spoke to Margot Datz who illustrated Carly Simon’s children’s books that Jackie edited, she suggested I write for a book for children instead. I started working on that, first as a chapter book biography and then I finally figured out the right angle. It was something close to Jackie’s heart and mine: books! A life of books and how the joy of reading shape someone’s life.

In my research I frequently saw pictures of Jackie reading. At Miss Porter’s School she told her roommate Nancy, “Shh! I’m reading!” and when she went to London to cover Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation she brought home a huge suitcase stuffed with books for John F. Kennedy,  who she was dating at that time. They loved to read together! And the day after she passed away, her son JFK, Jr. spoke to a crowd of press and fans and said, “she was surrounded by her books.” Books were so much a part of her life as a reader and as an editor of nearly 100 books.

Emma Walton Hamilton said, “I think you have to have a personal connection, and that’s what I am always looking to try to create: a personal way in to a story.” I feel that I was meant to write this book. Books have been my life’s work as a teacher and librarian.

When I got permission from Ambassador Caroline Kennedy to reprint “Sea Joy,” a poem Jackie wrote when she was 10 years old in the book, I knew this book was meant to be.

The heart of Jackie and the Books She Loved is about how books and the love of literature were a thread through her life. It’s the story of a child captivated by reading and a love of literature and writing from six-year-old Jackie reading Chekov stories to her desk as an editor for the last twenty years of her life.

I wanted to write something that would spark a child’s imagination. I hope that Jackie and the Books She Loved children will encourage children to be writers and readers. In the story you see a young Jackie creating a library of her own, sneaking in reading when she’s supposed to be napping. We all know kids who read under the covers when the lights were out at bedtime! And her stories and writing poems will inspire kids to do the same.

Getting to the heart is about making connections. When I was a school librarian and read books to my students I always asked them to make connections to the story. In this book I’m hopeful that they will be able to connect to the thread of the book which is the joy of the written word and ultimately pursuing something you love.

What connections can they make? When she was little, Jackie started her own book collection. Do they have their own book collection? Do they have favorite books that they borrow from the library and read over and over again? Jackie wrote stories and poems because she loved reading stories and poems. Do they write stories and poems on their own? Will they be inspired to write like Jackie? Jackie shared books and poems she loved with her child? Do they share books with their family and friends. And this thread goes on through Jackie and the Books She Loved. And in the end Jackie chose a career that involved something she loved. My hope is that kids who read the book will connect to that and follow their dreams and do something they love.

As a retired school librarian, I recommend that teachers use this book to launch Readers’ Workshop and even Writers’ Workshop.  You can find reading and writing activities on my website ronnidiamondstein.com

Why do I consider Jackie and the Books She Loved as an example of mining from the heart?

I began with a story about a beloved First Lady and then drilled down to find this story where  the love of the written word is at the heart of the story and near and dear to Jackie’s heart—and mine as well.

It’s been an honor and a privilege to dive deeply into Jackie and the Books She Loved.  Thank you so much Beth Anderson for inviting me to take this journey with you on your blog.

Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED from Ronni. (US addresses only, please. Winner announced 11/17/23)