RIP Joanna Cole

Taylor Harbin

Power to the pen!
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Before Harry Potter came along, I remember (growing up in the 90s) more kids reading two series than any other: Goosebumps and The Magic Schoolbus. It was a great way to earn easy Accelerated Reader points. I loved watching the show in class and some of the humor is just now making since (like one episode where Carlos—Ho boy, I’ll never forget that kid—impersonates Arnold Schwarzenegger).

I found this quote from her on Wiki about writing the first book: “I couldn’t work at all. I cleaned out closets, answered letters, and went shopping, anything but sit down and write. But I eventually did even though I was scared.”

You will be missed, ma’am.
 

Maryn

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Oh, I hadn't heard. She got lots of kids deeply invested in reading. RIP.
 

Kat M

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Joanna Cole had this huge, indirect impact on me. I read the Magic School Bus books as a wee homeschooled child and thought, regular school must be AWESOME. Mom said I'm never going to regular school. I guess my only way to get in is to be a teacher and I can have adventures with my students.

Someday I hope to be half the teacher Ms. Frizzle is.

Until then my students will read about her.

Thank you, Joanna, and RIP.