A prolific author who is often celebrated both for her versatility and for the diversity of her works, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor has written well-received books for children and young adults in a number of genres and styles. She is the creator of novels, short stories, picture books, and nonfiction for children as well as fiction and nonfiction for adults. As a writer for young people, Naylor has written books for children from preschool through high school in such genres as historical fiction, the gothic novel, the mystery story, the time-travel fantasy, and the problem novel; her works range from young adult novels that sensitively treat serious issues to humorous, lighthearted stories for younger children. She is perhaps best known as the author of Shiloh, a story for middle graders about a West Virginia boy and an abused dog that won the Newbery Medal in 1992.
As an author of nonfiction, Naylor writes instructional books about such subjects as relationships and writing as a profession; in the former category, Naylor provides techniques for effective interaction with parents, siblings, teachers, and friends while stressing communication, tolerance, and self-understanding.
