James W. Bennet
Born: 1942 in Piatt County, Illinos
Pen Name: James Bennett Connection to Illinois: *James W. Bennett lives in Normal. Biography: James W. Bennett is the author of a number of uncompromising, challenging novels for teens. The books have earned him recognition as one of the nation's leading nevelists for young adults. Bennett's fiction, often revolving around sports themes, has been used successfully as a curriculum choice in schools. He was a writer-in-residence for Illinois secondary schools. His book ''The Squared Circle'' is considered by many to be the finest basketball novel ever written.
Awards:
- -- "1995's Finest YA Novel" citation, Voice of Youth Advocates, 1996, for ''The Squared Circle''
- -- James was honored at the 2004 Illinois Authors Book Fair sponsored by the Illinois Center for the Book and the Illinois State Library in Springfield, Illinois.
Selected Titles