@Wallflower — I had the privileged of meeting Mr. Walder while visiting my Israeli friend’s school. Alas, I was surprised (and dismayed) that he didn’t seem to speak English, and it was then that I realized, yes, his books are translated. >.<
When I was young, I loved reading an advice column in a secular kids’ magazine — I learned later on that the author never accepted reader submissions, and instead wrote her column based on what she thought kids would want to know. I felt a bit … dismayed, because I hate when authors *think* they know how young peoples’ minds work, but then fail epically.
From what I understand, I think Mr. Walder’s stories are inspired by the things kids tell/send him, but he adapts the events into story form and I would guess that he would have to add details so that it’s more interesting…. Still, I’ve found what I’ve read of his to be very inspiring. I liked the book about the Israeli boy who came to America and had to deal with being different….