Visiting Author

Vince Vawter -  2014 Newbery Honor Award recipient

Vince Vawter with Middle School Students

An author's visit

Last Thursday, we had an author to visit the school and the library.  I met Vince Vawter earlier in the school year and knew instantly that I wanted him to visit my school.  Not only was his novel of interest, but his personal story was one my students needed to hear.  I was not disappointed!  My students were engaged [particularly the ones who read the novel] and they had meaningful questions for Mr. Vawter.  The added benefit was that his charming wife Betty came for the visit as well.

Photo by Betty Vawter -
Vince taking a look at our character suitcases in the library

I have had a few author visits in my time at Webb, and each one is different.  To prepare for this visit, we read the author's Newbery Honor book "Paperboy" in three different grades.  I found that the most engaged and attentive class was the class who read the book aloud together.  This class also completed a character study assignment that we borrowed from other teachers. [See links to examples below]

Ara T's suitcase complete
with Red Onion & Vienna Sausages

PDF from Bright School 
DOC from Avon School