Born:
June  14, 1948
San Francisco, California,
United States Of America

Laurence Yep

Biography

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I was born in San Francisco's Chinatown in 1948, but grew up in a black neighborhood. During elementary and middle school, I commuted to a bilingual school in Chinatown. So I did not confront white American culture until high school. Approaching that culture as an outsider, I have been fascinated by all its aspects — from its great novels to its children's literature, comic art, and science fiction. Thus, I am able to pursue the figure of the “stranger” both in my studies and my writing.

While I was in high school, I discovered and began writing science fiction. At 18, my first short story was published — I was paid a penny a word by a science fiction magazine. I continued to write and five years later I published my first novel, Sweetwater.

In 1966, I attended Marquette University and graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 1970. I received my doctorate in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo, where I wrote my dissertation on William Faulkner's early novels. I now live in San Francisco with my wife, Joanne Ryder, and write and teach.

Probably the reason why much of my writing has found its way to a teenage audience is that I'm always pursuing the theme of being an outsider — an alien — and many teenagers feel they're aliens. All of my books have dealt with the outsider — from the aliens of Sweetwater to alienated heroes such as the Chinese-American aviator in Dragonwings.

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  The Teacher Store

  Hiroshima by Laurence Yep From Newbery Honor award-winning author Yep comes this boldly written, fictionalized account of the bombing of Hiroshima, seen through the eyes of 12-year-old Sachi. This riveting piece of historical fiction tells the poignant story of a young girl and a city destroyed by war - and healed by the courage to rebuild and survive. "Required reading in every classroom in this country." - The Washington Post. $4.99 Paperback Book | Grades 6-9

  
  Hiroshima
  Grades 6-9 $4.99
  
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  The Teacher Store

  Cockroach Cooties by Laurence Yep Streetwise Teddy usually stays out of sight of the local bully, Arnie. When his little brother Bobby insults Arnie, Teddy must reluctantly come to the rescue—and become the target of Arnie's wrath instead. But it's Bobby who comes to the rescue with a new pet, a cockroach named Hercules. Filled with humor and warmth, this creepy-crawly tale is a tribute to resourcefulness and the unique relationship that only brothers share. $5.95 Paperback Book | Grades 3-5

  
  Cockroach Cooties
  Grades 3-5 $5.95