Becoming Madeline

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 20, 2018

Review

This is the biography of Madeleine L'Engle written by two of her granddaughters Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Lena Roy. This is the best biography that I have read. It is filled with photos, report cards, quotes, and love. The girls interviewed family members, raided photo albums, journals, and collaborated. Quote from Madeleine L. (she was named after her mother) about her writing " I learned to inhabit other selves, other ages. It helped put things into perspective. And now that I am older, I still do that. I've never had to lose my younger selves- so that's why I am every age I have ever been." This is the story of more than three generations of writers. The reading level is geared for middle school, but the work continues on to adults.

Overall Book Score: excellent