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Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards (1850-1943) was a prolific American author, renowned for her contributions to children's literature and biographies of notable figures, including her mother, the social activist and poet Julia Ward Howe. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Julia Ward Howe and Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, Laura was immersed in an environment that valued education, reform, and the arts, which were to deeply influence her writing career. Her biography of her mother, 'Julia Ward Howe, 1819-1910,' stands as a testament to Richards's literary craftsmanship and biographical acumen, as it intricately details the life and times of one of the 19th century's most important female figures, known for authoring the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' (Howe et al., 1911). Richards's literary style is marked by its fluid narrative, warmth, and the ability to convey moral principles subtly yet effectively - traits that garnered her the prestigious John Newbery Medal not once but twice. Beyond her famed biographies, Richards's literary repertoire includes over 90 works, among them beloved children's classics like 'Captain January' and 'The Golden Windows.' Her writings mirror her upbringing, echoing themes of social justice, compassion, and the power of education. Richards remains an enduring figure in American literature, her works continuing to inspire readers with their humanity and grace.
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