Anecdotes

Father of four; three daughters and a son.

Has ten grandchildren.

Knew he wanted to be a writer after writing his first poem at age 12.

His novel "The Chocolate War" is one of the most frequently banned books, and is constantly under attack from censorship groups.

Wrote personal responses to letters he received from readers.

In the eighth grade, he watched from a classroom window as his house caught fire and burned.

Wrote commercials for a local radio station.

Received countless phone calls when his phone number was used as Amy Hertz's phone number in his novel "I am the Cheese".

His hometown, Leominster, was often portrayed in his novels, but was called Monument.

Parents were Lucien and Irma Cormier.

Attended Fitchburg State College (1943-1944).

Won the Margaret A. Edwards award for novels "The Chocolate War", "I am the Cheese", and "After the First Death".

Was a journalist for 30 years at several newspapers, including the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, and the Fitchburg Sentinel.

Published his first novel in 1960 ("Now and at the Hour"), but his first young adult novel (for which he is best known) was published in 1974 ("The Chocolate War").

Is French Canadian.

Is the second of eight children.

His first poems were published in the Leominster Daily Enterprise.