Media contact: Lindsey Goudreau, Marketing Communications Specialist (207) 443-8330 | lgoudreau@cityofbath.com
Phippsburg, ME (February 14, 2022) - Fourth and fifth graders at Phippsburg Elementary School celebrated the 13th Annual World Read Aloud Day earlier this month with a special treat: virtual meetings with eight children’s book authors.
The event, organized by 4th grader teacher Sandi Brann, offered students a unique insight into the lives of popular authors like Lauren Tarshis; what inspires them, and tips they recommend for aspiring writers.
“When I first shared the news of how we'd be celebrating World Read Aloud Day the kids were so excited to hear we'd be visiting with so many different authors on one day,” Brann said.
World Read Aloud Day was created by the non-profit LiWorld and sponsored by Scholastic and is celebrated annually in over 173 countries. It challenges participants to share the connection of reading by grabbing a book, finding an audience, and reading aloud.
Visiting authors included Chris Negron (Dan Unleashed and The Last Superchef), Diane Magras (The Mad Wolf's Daughter), Josephine Cameron (Maybe a Mermaid), and Lauren Tarshis (I Survived series) and illustrator Lisa Bronson, who recently released their latest children’s book, Only My Dog Knows I Pick My Nose.
In addition, four authors joined together for a presentation of “Spooky Middle Grade Authors:” Brad McLelland (Legends of the Lost Causes), Lisa Schmid (Ollie Oxley and the Ghost), Josh Roberts (The Witches of Willow Cove), and Cynthia Reeg (From the Grave). Each read excerpts from the titles listed above.
“Following our final author visit of the day, I changed our afternoon schedule to writing time since so many were eager to write their own stories after hearing from so many writers,” Brann said.
“This was a wonderful opportunity for students to meet with some of their favorite authors,” said PES Principal Sandra Gorsuch-Plummer. “I hope the experience inspires confidence and enthusiasm in them as they grow as writers.”
Photo: Author Josephine Cameron answers questions from students during her virtual author visit