Missing Millie Benson: The Secret Case of the Nancy Drew Ghostwriter and Journalist (Biographies for Young Readers) - Hardcover

Julie K. Rubini

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0821421832 ISBN 13: 9780821421833

Publisher: Ohio University Press, 2015

Synopsis

"Rubini frames the story as a mystery, asking why, despite Nancy Drew's fame, most people have never heard of Benson and tracking down clues and evidence to uncover more information about the life of this little-known author.... VERDICT A solid option for those interested in the 'Nancy Drew' mysteries." —School Library JournalGrowing up in Ladora, Iowa, Mildred "Millie" Benson had ample time to develop her imagination, sense of adventure, and independence. Millie left her small hometown to attend the University of Iowa, where she became the first person to earn a master's degree from the school of journalism. While still a graduate student, Millie began writing for the Stratemeyer Syndicate, which published the phenomenally popular Hardy Boys series, among many others. Soon, Edward Stratemeyer tapped Millie for a new series starring amateur sleuth Nancy Drew, a young, independent woman not unlike Millie herself. The syndicate paid its writers a flat fee for their work and published the books under pseudonyms. Under the pen name Carolyn Keene, Millie went on to write twenty-three of the first thirty books of the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories. In all, Millie wrote more than a hundred novels for young people under her own name and under pseudonyms. Millie was also a journalist for the Toledo (Ohio) Times and The Blade. At the age of sixty-two she obtained her pilot's license and combined her love of aviation with her passion for writing, sharing her travels and adventures with readers. Follow the clues throughout Missing Millie to solve the mysteries of this ghostwriter, journalist, and adventurer.

About this title

Review:

“Digging into archives and the memories of surviving acquaintances as well as published histories, Rubini spins an account of Benson's long and active life that throws a strong light on the source of Nancy Drew's own admirably intrepid and independent spirit....An enlightening peek behind the curtain for Nancy Drew fans.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“The biography is eminently readable and well organized...Appended with an impressive wealth of back matter (‘Extra Clues’) including a timeline, a chronological list of Millie’s books, a glossary, source notes, and an extensive bibliography.” —Horn Book Magazine

“Historical photographs and interesting sidebars enhance the story of this Toledo treasure whose identity as a ghostwriter remained a secret until she testified at a court case between two publishers claiming rights to new Nancy Drew stories.” —The Toledo Blade

“Millie Benson is an American treasure. Her fascinating story is brought to life in Julie Rubini’s enchanting new book, which will inspire a new generation of Nancy Drew fans.”
—Christine Brennan, USA Today sports columnist and author of Inside Edge and Best Seat in the House

“Missing Millie Benson is as lively and compelling as a Nancy Drew Mystery Story. For anyone who loves Nancy, getting to know the woman who first brought her to life in this wonderful biography is not just a treat but a necessity—an inspiration to young writers and sleuths alike!” —Melanie Rehak, author of Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her

“Julie Rubini’s charming, accessible style delivers just the right details, building clues and setting up and solving mysteries in every chapter. Simply amazing.” —Dandi Daley Mackall, author of the young adult novels The Secrets of Tree Taylor, My Boyfriend’s Dogs, and others

“Missing Millie Benson is as lively and compelling as a Nancy Drew Mystery Story. For anyone who loves Nancy, getting to know the woman who first brought her to life in this wonderful biography is not just a treat but a necessity—an inspiration to young writers and sleuths alike!” —Melanie Rehak, author of Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her

“Though this biography is written for young adults, there’s plenty to interest adult readers, especially the successful, albeit formulaic, system Edward Stratemeyer used to create so many young adult series. Rubini also brings Millie’s world to life.” — Cedar Rapids Gazette

About the Author:

Julie K. Rubini is the founder of Claire's Day, a children's book festival in honor of her late daughter. She is the author of Hidden Ohio, Missing Millie Benson: The Secret Case of the Nancy Drew Ghostwriter and Journalist, and Virginia Hamilton: America's Storyteller. But most of all, she cherishes her roles as wife to Brad and mother to daughter Kyle and son Ian.

About this edition

• Publisher: Ohio University Press
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0821421832
• ISBN 13: 9780821421833
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 136