Donovan, John

Epithet: of Dublin

John Donovan was born in Lynn, Massachusetts in 1928, and died in New York City on April 29, 1992. He was educated at William and Mary College, and received a law degree from the U. of Virginia. He began writing children's books in the 1960s, publishing his first book, The Little Orange Book in 1961. He shifted his attention to the young adult market in the late 1960s, becoming noted for his honest, compassionate and realistic portrayals of contemporary young adult concerns. Donovan was often controversial in his choice of subject matter, particularly in his depictions of homosexuality, alcoholism, teenage sexuality, death, and animal's rights. His books have received both criticism as being depressing, and praise for his emphasis on the lack of meaningful communication in modern life, and the crucial importance of friendship in developing character and beliefs. From 1967-1992 Donovan served as President of the Children's Book Council in New York, and in this position expressed concern about the future of children's and young adult literature at a time when profits were becoming paramount.

Biographical Sources: Something About the Author, vol. 29, 72; Children's Literature Review vol. 3; Contemporary Literary Criticism vol. 35