Amy's parents have said they can't remember a day she didn't talk.  Her first words were "read read read," and she would beg anyone to read to her. Books, road signs, ingredient labels, anything with words. At bedtime, Amy listened to nursery rhymes and Dr. Seuss. Her favorite was Hop on Pop. "I would picture myself actually hopping on my dad," she said. "I loved it that two stories could take place at once: the one in the book and the one in my head." She was pretty silly, too. Just check out the shades on her dog Taffy!

Here she is playing a favorite game. Amy liked to hide under her blanket and run through the house...and into the wall. She still likes silly games, especially trivia games and crossword puzzles. And she'll throw herself headlong into projects.

Much more of Amy's time was spent outside, however. She explored the pond, pine trees and wildflower fields that surrounded her family's home in the country. She liked reading about real people and real places. She liked libraries. "Libraries are still my favorite place to visit in any town, especially the local history room," Amy said. "I have moved six times in seven years, and the first place I visit in my new town is the library." Another enjoyable field trip is any city's historic walking tour. She said, "It helps me get to know the personality of the place, and I find great storytelling ideas."