Because They Listened: The Impact Words Had On Two Writers and a Great Novel

Recognizing the birthdays of Paule Marshall, Beverly Cleary, and an American classic

You never know who’s listening. That sounds ominous, but we sometimes use what we hear as a foundation for creation. That’s the case with the subjects of this issue of Bidwell Hollow. Two writers, Paule Marshall and Beverly Cleary owe much of their work to words they overheard. And a great American novel exists, in part, based on something said to its a…