Her deep interests in storytelling and mythology were evident in her oral and written narratives. Although she had children of her own, Gates maintained contact with young readers through her frequent and popular guest lectures at elementary schools and children's libraries. Her experiences ranged from her work as children's librarian at the Fresno Public Library in California from 1939 to 1940, to her long-standing association with Ginn and Company as editor and contributor for the basic reader and enrichment textbook series, and her own prolific career as an author. Raised on her family's prune ranch, Doris had a little gray burro and soon developed a fondness for horses that would later recur as a frequent theme in her children's novels, such as Sarah's Idea and Little Vic.Īfter receiving a degree in library science from Western Reserve University in 1930, Doris Gates launched her active and celebrated career in the field of children's literature. Datesĭoris Gates, renowned author and editor of literary works for children, was born on Novemin Mountain View, California. Photographs include prints and an oversize print. The remainder of the collection consists of books written by Gates as well as several textbooks in which her stories were published. Several tape recordings, found in box 44, document the writing of several works.

Also included in the collection are Gates' teaching notes, memorabilia, souvenirs and awards, and a large volume of fan mail, mostly written by children that she promised to save. Speaking engagements are arranged alphabetically by state, and, within each state, by city. Included are promotional material, curriculum policies, sales and conference reports, and manuscripts. Ginn and Company, a series in itself, is devoted to materials Gates either received or submitted during her more than thirty-year association with the publishing house. Each title is arranged in the order in which it was written, ranging from outlines and notes to final drafts submitted for publication. Manuscripts are arranged by length and nature, alphabetically within each segment.

A separate folder of family correspondence appears at the end of this series. Business-related correspondence is arranged chronologically. The Doris Gates Papers consists largely of correspondence, manuscripts and published materials.

Doris gates books