Author Visits

Hosting an author visit is very exciting for everyone involved. A well-spoken author shares the experience of the writing process with students who then become more excited about reading and writing. Students have the opportunity to purchase books for autographing whenever we host an author visit.

Students at Haworth Public School have been lucky to have met many wonderful authors since 2005 - Philip Ardagh, T. A. Barron, Paul Stewart, Chris Riddell and Michael Scott visited while on their book tours, thanks to the efforts of Bob Brown of Books, Bytes and Beyond Book Store in Glen Rock. Neal Shusterman was hired to spend a day in October, 2006, speaking to students in both assemblies and writing workshops. On October 29, 2007, students heard Newbery and Printz Honor author, Gary Schmidt thanks, again, to Bob Brown. Jordan Sonnenblick, author of Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie is spent the day with students in grades 4 - 8 on February 12, 2008.


Mrs. Fishbein is telling Mr. Sonnenblick how much she loved Dodger and Me.	Mr. Sonnenblick explaining what real life events inspired his book, Dodger and Me.	Mr. Sonnenblick walked through the audience answering student questions.

February 12, 2008: Mr. Jordan Sonnenblick's eagerly anticipated visit did not disappoint. He began the day with the eighth grade language arts classes. He presented two writing workshops that were humorous and filled with all sorts of tips and hints for improving. The eighth graders did a lot of laughing and writing. He graciously signed all the books that had been sold and then had lunch with the teachers in the library. He presented back-to-back assemblies in the afternoon; first to students in grades 6 - 8, most of whom had read his first novel, Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie and then to students in grades 4 & 5, all of whom had heard his newest title, Dodger and Me read aloud by their teachers because Mr. Sonneblick sent us two arcs (advance reader copies).

Dodger and Me is due to be released in April and our students were the first to read it because Mr. Sonnenblick sent an advance reader copy. The book is a hit at Haworth Public School. Students had tons of questions about the characters and the ending and were thrilled to bits to hear that there will be two more "Dodger" books. He gave a sneak peek of the basic plot of the next book, then sealed his lips.

October 29, 2007: Mr. Gary Schmidt mesmerized students with stories. First he told a true story from World War II, then he told stories that inspired scenes in his Newbery and Printz Honor book, Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy. Students in grades 5 - 8 have been listening to the book on CD while reading along each week during library period. During the Q & A period that followed, a sixth grader asked Mr. Schmidt to talk about his newest book, The Wednesday Wars. They were treated to yet another story about how events from his own seventh grade year formed the basis for it.

In June, 2007, Irish author Michael Scott to spoke to students in grades 4 through 8 about his newest book, The Alchemyst, the first book of six books in the series, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. Mr. Scott spoke to the students for about an hour. First he gave some background information about the book, the characters and the series, then he read from the book and answered the many questions our students had about writing and the series. I had the privilege of reading an arc (advance reader's copy) and absolutely loved the book! I am looking forward to the next book. The ending of the first was a real cliffhanger! Thanks to the students (especially grade 4) who purchased books for autographing. Happy reading.

Thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Maketanksy, Neal Shusterman, author of The Schwa was Here, The Downsiders and The Dark Fusion series, visited grades six and seven on Monday, October 23, 2006. He spoke to students about his books and his life as an author. He signed books and had lunch with the teachers. Students enthusiastically peppered Mr. Shusterman with questions about his books, which were assigned for summer reading. Mr. Shusterman also booktalked his newest book, Everlost and shared that he is writing the screenplay for the movie based on the book.

March 8, 2006: Haworth Public School students in grades 5 through 7 were delighted and entertained by author, Paul Stewart and illustrator, Chris Riddell. The gentlemen were visiting the United States from England to promote their newest book in The Edge Chronicles, Freeglader. Books, Bytes and Beyond, a wonderful children's book store in Glen Rock (and supplier to the HHSA Book Fair, arranged for their visit. Together, Mr. Stewart and Mr. Riddell spoke of their long collaboration on what is now an eight book series while Mr. Riddell created a magnificent piece of artwork which will hang in the library. They were interesting and funny and did a great job getting our students excited about reading their books. Haworth School Library owns the entire series plus a few of their other books. Check them out!


While author Paul Stewart spoke, illustrator Chris Riddell worked on the drawing pictured above and interrupted Mr. Stewart. Now Haworth Public School owns a piece of original art! Thank you!	After the presentation, Mr. Riddell (left) and Mr. Stewart (right) retired to the library to sign the books of those lucky students who ordered copies from Books, Bytes and Beyond.