The serialized reference work "Biography Today" is initiating a "Subject Series" that in five separate volumes will encompass: authors, artists, scientists, and inventors, sports figures, and world leaders. This is the first volume in the "Author Series." There will be no duplication between the regular series and the special subject volumes. This volume contains 19 biographical sketches. Each entry provides at least one photograph of the individual profiled, with bold-faced rubrics informing the reader on the author's birth, youth, early memories, education, first jobs, marriage and family, career highlights, memorable experiences, hobbies, and honors and awards. Obituary entries also are included, written to provide a perspective on the individual's entire career. U.S. authors in this volume include: (1) Eric Carle; (2) Alice Childress; (3) Robert Cormier; (4) Jim Davis; (5) John Grisham; (6) Virginia Hamilton; (7) S. E. Hinton; (8) M. E. Kerr; (9) Stephen King; (10) Gary Larson; (11) Joan Lowery Nixon; (12) Gary Paulsen; (13) Cynthia Rylant; (14) Mildred D. Taylor; (15) Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.; (16) E. B. White; and (17) Paul Zindel. British authors included are Roald Dahl and James Herriot. (EH)