Maine Writers Index - Detail
(Return to List)Maria Testa (1964 - )
Maria Testa(1964 - )
Maria Testa is a Rhode Island native (born 4 April 1964), now living in Portland, Maine. She also lived in Dublin, Ireland, for a bit. She studied
sociology at Brown University and specialised in family law at
Yale University Law School, graduating in 1989.
Most of her books are of special interest to pre-teen boys, with
male protagonists and gritty issues like homelessness and parents in prison
at their core. In 2002, she started a trilogy of books that explore
her father's life.
Candlewick Press offers a short bio
of Testa.
Testa's books include:
- 'Thumbs Up, Rico!' (1994; ill. Diane Paterson), three
separate stories in which a boy with Down syndrome makes a new friend, helps his sister with a difficult
decision, and draws a picture he likes
- Dancing Pink Flamingos and Other Stories (1995), a collection of stories about
teenagers dealing with crime, violence, sexual harassment, self-realization and
growing up.
- Nine Candles (1996; ill. Amanda Schaffer): After visiting his mother
in prison on his seventh birthday, Raymond wishes it were his ninth birthday
when Mama has promised to be home with his dad and him.
- Someplace to Go (1996; ill. Karen Ritz): Davey describes how he
spends his time after school trying to keep safe and warm until he
can meet his mother and older brother when the shelter opens at eight
o'clock. An interview with Testa at FamilyCares is focused on this book.
- Some Kind of Pride (2001/2003): Named after the greatest baseball
player of all time, eleven-year-old Ruth dreams of becoming a major league baseball player
until she overhears her father lamenting the fact that she is a girl.
- Becoming Joe DiMaggio (2002/2005; ill. Scott Hunt), which recounts a boy's ongoing relationship
with his immigrant grandfather -- who is modeled on Testa's great-grandfather -- and
their discussions about baseball and life. This is the first in a planned trilogy
of books about Testa's father. This book won the 2002 Maine Lupine
Award.
- Almost Forever (2003), first-person narrative of a first-grader whose father, serving
as a medic in Vietnam, goes MIA. This is the second book based on Testa's father.
- Something About America (2005), inspired by true events in Lewiston, Maine, exploring immigration in contemporary America in the voice of a young daughter from Kosova.
Last Update: 06/01/2007(
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