Authors and Us By: Mae

AuthorFest rocked!  From November 15^th to the 19^th, Friends Academy held a book fair in the Commons.  Scholastic supplied the books that could be purchased.  Friday, November 19^th, the fifth grade was able to meet with two of the visiting authors.     

The first author we met was Cynthia Lord.  Mrs. Lord is the author of Rules, which was one of the reading books for fifth grade over the summer.  She brought a few things for us to see that were connected to Rules.  Mrs. Lord’s book won a Newbery award, and she had the award on a plaque.  She showed us some of the things that inspired her to write the book.  Mrs. Lord explained some of the things that happen when you write a book, and when you want that book to be published.  Mrs. Lord introduced us to her new book Touch Blue, which many of us in fifth grade want to read.

The second author we visited was Eric Kraft, who wrote the hilarious Lenny And Mel series.  Mr. Kraft explained that it is not an easy task to get a story you have written published.  He shared a few of the rejection letters that he got back from different publishers.  Many of the letters he explained left him wondering if the publishers even read his stories.  Mr. Kraft told us that no matter what the publisher thinks about your story, you should always thank them for taking the time to read your story.

Finally, we had our AuthorFest luncheon.  Students had subs, chips, apples and a cookie, and something to drink.  Some students had family members eat lunch with them in the gym. When our class was done with lunch we had the chance to visit the Book Fair in the Commons or get a book signed by one of the visiting authors.  What a great day to appreciate great writing with some wonderful authors!