MONKTON — Monkton writer Eugenie Doyle released her most recent children’s novel, “According to Kit,” in 2009. More than a year later, recognition for the book is still coming in.
When the Society of School Librarians announced its annual book awards in late 2010, “According to Kit,“ published by Front Street Books, was among nine novels for grades 7-12 given an “honored book” designation.
The organization designated “Spotting for Nellie,” by Pamela Lowell, as the best book in that category.
“According to Kit” features a 15-year-old narrator with a passion for dancing that her parents, who run a Vermont dairy farm, just don’t understand. Doyle, a dancer herself, runs Last Resort Farm in Monkton with her husband, Sam Burr. The farm is now an organic berry and vegetable farm, but the family spent 15 years in the dairy business before selling their cows in 1994. Now Doyle spends her winters writing instead of milking.
Doyle said that since the book was released, she’s been surprised to see “According to Kit” gain popularity among mothers as well as daughters, because of its focus on the mother/daughter relationship.
This winter, Doyle has a number of projects on her plate, including her first adult novel, a work that she said is loosely based on her life and will speak to changes in the contemporary farming industry. In addition, she said she is working on a number of shorter pieces and another children’s book. The award, she said, is encouraging both for her own writing and from an industry perspective.
“It’s nice to have,” said Doyle. “And if it can encourage more people to read books, that’s the aim.”
Reporter Andrea Suozzo is at [email protected].