Meet the Author Meet the Author, Fairfax Network, Fairfax County Public Schools

In this edition of Meet the Author, Jarrett Lerner talks about his entertaining EngiNerds and Geeger the Robot book series, which celebrate the world of STEM - science, technology, engineering and math. During the live webcast, the author answered questions from Sleepy Hollow Elementary School (FCPS) students via zoom. A video segment inspired by the EngiNerd and Geeger series featured the students’ creative and innovative projects.

In this edition of Meet the Author, Kat Zhang talks about her delightful picture books: Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao and Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon. Both books feature, fun and fearless Amy Wu and her amazing problem solving skills. During the live webcast, the author answered questions from Colin Powell Elementary School (FCPS) students via zoom. Two video segments were featured: the students artwork and a mini-grammar lesson about homophones.

In this edition of Meet the Author, Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May discuss their middle grade novel, The Islanders. The story focuses on eleven-year old Jake who navigates life with sea turtles, alligators, new friends and no cell phone when he spends an entire summer living with his grandmother on a remote island off the coast of South Carolina. During the live webcast, the authors answer questions from Waynewood Elementary School (FCPS) students via Zoom. A video segment highlights sea turtles and their habitats.

A former English teacher and attorney, Barbara Dee is the author of several middle-grade novels including Maybe He Just Likes You, Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed. Dee's most recent book is entitled, My in the Fish Tank. Her books are included on many best-of lists, including the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten and the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People.

In the FAQs section of her website, when asked why she writes about serious topics, she replied, “…Reading about characters who face similar challenges can be empowering. And if you’re a kid who hasn’t personally faced those challenges, reading can open your heart, help you to develop empathy.”

During this live webcast, author Barbara Dee, our host Emily Godfrey, and our students will participate virtually.

Originally recorded 1/15/21.

Chelsea Clinton, New York Times bestselling author of the middle grade book It’s Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired and Get Going!, discusses her latest version for younger students, Start Now! You Can Make a Difference. Filled with climate smart ideas, tips on eating healthy, ways to save endangered animals, and how to deal with bullies, Start Now! You Can Make a Difference shows young activists how they can make positive changes in the world. The author also talks about her other children’s books including She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World and Don’t Let Them Disappear: 12 Endangered Species Across the Globe. Skype questions from students at Fairhill Elementary School (FCPS), and other students via telephone and e-mail, provide a lively discussion.

Originally recorded on 1/9/20

Shannon Messenger is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the award-winning middle grade series, Keeper of the Lost Cities, as well as the Sky Fall series for young adults. Although the Keeper of the Lost Cities books are longer than most for the targeted audience, Messenger says “I think they just have to look past the thickness of the book and trust that the chapters are short and it reads really fun.” When asked about inspiration, Messenger replied “I find inspiration everywhere. I feel like the best thing an author can do is learn to be observant and always keep a notebook handy because you never know when a tiny detail will inspire you.” During the live webcast, students can call in and talk to the author about character development, her writing process, whatever is on their minds.

Originally recorded on 11/30/18