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Spring Hermann
After marrying theater professor Vincent Gagliardi, Spring accompanied him to Minnesota State University at Mankato, where she designed all the productions’ costumes and ran the shop. Vincent was appointed to the theater faculty at Central Connecticut State University, where Spring studied for a Master of Arts degree in literature. By the time she graduated in 1971, she had Margo and Jessica, whom she raised by day, and taught in the theater department at night.
It was not until the 1980s that Spring faced the challenge of professional writing. Having never taken a writing course, she learned the hard way by rewriting, stepping back critically, and rewriting again. Her first published novel in 1983 was a contemporary family saga which brought her a lot of satisfaction, but little profit.
Spring worked for twenty years as a writer for nonprofit organizations in Development and Public Relations. At the same time, she wrote adult subscription histories, novels, and biographies for young readers. Her novel SEEING LESSONS is bio-historical, as each character is based on a real historical figure, yet the treatment of their story is fictional. ANNE FRANK: Hope in the Shadows of the Holocaust, took Spring to Washington and Amsterdam for research. After THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUALITY, Spring has two more nonfiction works under contract. A STUDENT GUIDE TO TENNESSEE WILLIAMS (Enslow) will aid high school drama and English classes in critically understanding the works of this great American playwright, while following the events of his life. THE MASTERS: Slavery and the U.S. Presidency (G.P. Putnam's Sons) will study the lives and deeds of the first 18 presidents regarding slavery. This work is the first for young readers that focuses on why racism became a deeply imbedded fact in American society, and the role each of these Chief Executives played in making that happen. Spring has three novels, and three books for children's musicals, in progress. She also publishes articles, writes an author interview column "Write Lights" for the New England Reading Association Journal, and does presentations at schools and conferences.
A STUDENT'S GUIDE TO TENNESSEE WILLIAMS
For high school students who are studying or performing Williams' works, this guide provides a full biography, criticism of all major plays, influences on other authors, critiques of Williams' 15 films, a study of recent revivals, and full chronology. Williams becomes accessible and understandable as America's greatest contemporary playwright.
ANNE FRANK: Hope in the Shadows of the Holocaust
Enslow; recommended for ages 12-16.A high-level biography of Anne Frank, the young Jewish teenager from Amsterdam, whose diary revealed the fears, thoughts and dreams of a girl forced into hiding for over two years by Nazi occupation. Ten minibiographies of people affected by or who affected Anne, timelines, historical and political background, and a harsh revelation of Anne's incarceration in concentration camps, complete this story of the world's most famous diarist.
GERONIMO: Apache Freedom Fighter
Enslow; recommended for ages 11-13.
A biography profiling the Apache warrior and spiritual leader who left his legacy as one never captured in battle by the Army. Geronimo (1823-1909) led raids and defended his homeland on the Arizona-Mexican border, joining Victorio and Cochise. Geronimo remained powerful, even during his final 20 years of imprisonment, a legend in his own time.
THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUALITY: Women and Minorities in America
Enslow; recommended for ages 10-12.
An in-depth comparative study of five American groups who have worked through the courts and through determined protest to achieve equal rights: women, African-Americans, Indians, Latinos, and Asians. Period photos, timelines, and spotlights on major activists help bring the fight for equal rights into clear contemporary focus.
SEEING LESSONS: The Story of Abigail Carter
and America's First School for Blind People
Holt; recommended for ages 8-11.
A novel recreating the birth of Perkins School for the Blind, through the voice of Abby, its first pupil. Overcoming homesickness and fear of failure, Abby leaves her Andover farm in 1832 and joins Dr. Samuel Howe in experimental classes in Howe’s Boston Home. With Abby’s help, the blind gain a foothold for their future.
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