"In view of the contribution she has made to the field of children's literature and the distinction she has achieved in being awarded the Newbery Medal for one of her books, Eleanor Estes has been chosen as the subject for this study. The purpose is to discover the pertinent and interesting facts of her life and to analyze the reaction to her works in the reviews and criticism. The procedure in compiling data for this study was to read all of Mrs. Estes' books and to study all available articles and reviews that have appeared in current books and periodicals. An appeal was made to Mrs. Estes to supply certain data concerning her life during the last few years. She most graciously responded with interesting and informative letters"--Introduction. / Carbon copy of typescript. / "August, 1958." / "Submitted to the Graduate Council of Florida State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science." / Advisor: Agnes Gregory, Professor Directing Paper. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 33-38).