Jane -- reads her acceptance speech.
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Jane Kurtz Accepts Golden Kite Award
August 12, 2001
River Friendly, River Wild
Ceremony
Jane Kurtz's picture book text for River Friendly, River Wild earned her the 2000 Golden Kite Award given by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). On August 12, 2001, Jane went to Los Angeles to accept the award.
On Sunday, August 12, 2001, Jane Kurtz received the Golden Kite Award in the picture book text category for River Friendly, River Wild
The award was presented in Los Angeles at the Society of Children's
Book Writers and Illustrators conference. Not only the book itself, but
Jane's acceptance speech, was a gift to us, her readers and colleagues.
With dignity and true humility she told the story of her early youth in
Ethiopia. She conveyed how she felt "different" from the Ethiopians she
knew, even though she was sharing their ways and lives. She related how
she looked forward to returning to the United States-- "home"--
assuming she would feel "the same" as everyone else. But that was not
to be. She continued to feel "different," now separated by her unusual
upbringing in Ethiopia. Being Jane, however, she was able to reflect
upon these experiences with humor. We in the audience, were touched to
hear these personal reminiscences, which resonate with Jane's novels, The Storyteller's Beads and Jakarta Missing.
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Then Jane spoke about the Red River flood of Grand Forks in 1997, the inspiration for River Friendly, River Wild.
We all believed her when she said she simply couldn't imagine writing
about such a horrifying experience. But she did, transforming the worst
times into the best poetry. She thanked the friends who had supported
her throughout the ordeal of moving from one home to another, and of
returning to the devastation. And she displayed the beautiful quilt some of her friends
had sewn for her. As someone who got to know Jane during those times,
by corresponding with her, I can testify to her incredible courage and
persistence. Though she never denied the considerable suffering, she
remained positive and always grateful for the response of her friends
and colleagues. We, in turn, are grateful for Jane's splendid book, a
testament to the singular powers of nature and the enduring powers of
the human soul.
<>--Janet Zarem, Children's Book Columnist and Consultant<>
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And ... from Some of Jane's Friends
Dear Jane,
I wish I could have seen you accept this award in person, but this web
page is the next best thing! Congratulations not only for your
wonderful flood poems, but for your courage and grace.
--Love, Nancy Werlin
Dear Jane,
It was a wonderful and deeply touching experience to attend the Golden
Kite Luncheon and watch you accept your award. I was filled with pride
to see my dear friend up at the podium and so touched to be able to
hold the flood quilt up for the stunned gasps of the audience.
You are a source of inspiration to me.
-- Love, Toni (Buzzeo)
Congratulations Jane on your well-deserved award!
You turned tragedy into triumph, and this book deserves to fly higher
than the clouds for a long long time. Congratulations on the Golden
Kite Award.
Dear Jane,
From the moment I first opened my copy of River Friendly River Wild
I knew I was holding something special in my hands. Your poems and
their powerful emotions - told so poignantly and honestly - lingered
long after I read the last line. River Friendly River Wild is a gift to all of us and I'm thrilled that you won the Golden Kite Award. Congratulations!
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