Picture a storyteller who spun tales of ghosts, friendships, and courage, capturing the hearts of young readers—meet Cynthia C. DeFelice! Born in Philadelphia in 1951, this American children’s author crafted 16 novels and 12 picture books that blend suspense, humor, and heart. With a knack for making kids laugh, cry, and think, DeFelice’s stories have earned Edgar Allan Poe Award nominations and a lasting spot in children’s literature.
From her early days as a school librarian to her adventures as a barn painter, DeFelice’s diverse experiences shaped her vibrant storytelling. Her books, aimed at ages nine to twelve, invite readers into worlds where kids face big challenges with bravery and wit. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this beloved author!
The Making of Cynthia C. DeFelice
Cynthia Carter DeFelice was born on December 28, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a psychiatrist father and an English teacher mother who sparked her love for books. Growing up in Abington, Pennsylvania, she was nicknamed 'DeDe'—a playful moniker she ditched after marrying dentist Ralph 'Buzz' DeFelice in 1974. A graduate of William Smith College (1973) and Syracuse University (M.L.S., 1980), DeFelice worked as a bookseller, storyteller, and elementary school librarian in Newark, New York. Her time reading to wide-eyed students inspired her to write stories that would light up their faces, launching her writing career in 1987.
Teaming up with music teacher Mary DeMarsh as the Wild Washerwomen Storytellers, DeFelice honed her craft, performing folktales across upstate New York. Kids’ requests for written versions of her stories pushed her to publish her first book, The Strange Night Writing of Jessamine Colter, in 1988, setting the stage for a prolific career.
Cynthia C. DeFelice’s Unforgettable Stories
DeFelice’s novels and picture books are a delightful mix of suspense, history, and humor, often rooted in American folklore and real-world issues. Her storytelling shines in works like The Ghost of Fossil Glen (1998), where Allie Nichols, a 'ghost magnet,' solves a murder mystery with her friend Dub. This gripping tale, part of a trilogy, blends spooky thrills with themes of friendship and justice, earning an Edgar Allan Poe Award nomination.
Weasel (1990), a historical novel set in 1830s Ohio, follows young Nathan confronting a menacing figure. Praised for its fast-paced narrative and moral depth, it won the 1993 Sequoyah Book Award. Wild Life (2011) explores resilience as Erik navigates life with his grandparents in North Dakota, while Signal (2009) tells a poignant story of Owen helping a mysterious girl, weaving loss and hope. DeFelice’s picture books, like The Dancing Skeleton (1989), adapt folktales with playful energy, perfect for read-alouds.
Her writing style—honest, vivid, and emotionally resonant—draws kids into stories that tackle big ideas like courage, loss, and standing up for what’s right. Whether crafting ghost stories or historical adventures, DeFelice aimed to write books she’d have loved as a child, creating memories that stick with readers long after the last page.
Why Cynthia C. DeFelice Matters
Cynthia C. DeFelice’s impact lies in her ability to connect with young readers through stories that feel real and relatable. Her books, recognized by the American Library Association and Bank Street College, have inspired countless kids to embrace reading as a gateway to empathy and imagination. By weaving themes of environmental awareness (Lostman’s River) and Native American history (Weasel), she encouraged readers to think critically about the world.
DeFelice’s school visits and storytelling sessions left a lasting impression, sparking creativity in students and fellow writers. Her legacy endures in the joy her books bring to new generations, proving that a good story can change how kids see themselves and their world.
About Cynthia C. DeFelice
- Born: December 28, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: The Ghost of Fossil Glen, Weasel, Wild Life, Signal
- Awards: Edgar Allan Poe Award nominations, 1993 Sequoyah Book Award
- Hobbies: Quilt making, dulcimer playing, hiking
Snag The Ghost of Fossil Glen or Weasel and dive into Cynthia C. DeFelice’s thrilling, heartfelt world of children’s literature!