Author Visits Inspire Middle School Students

London, the author of more than 30 books for readers of all ages, is known for “Proxy,” his young adult debut selected by the American Library Association for the Top 10 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers list, and “Black Wings Beating.” His novels include “The Princess Protection Program” and the award-winning “Battle Dragons” series. 

Jillian McCoy, head librarian and coordinator for digital info and learning, organized the annual fair and author visits. She recalled when London told students how he became interested in writing, “divulging that when he was a kid, he wasn’t interested in reading. One of his teachers told him to read ‘Redwall’ by Brian Jacques, which transformed him into an avid fantasy reader.”
 
Veera Hiranandani spoke about her recent novel “Amil and the After,” the latest addition to her published works for middle grade readers, including Newbery Honor Book “The Night Diary” and “How to Find What You’re Not Looking For,” winner of the Sydney Taylor Award and the Jane Addams Children's Book Award, and finalist for the National Jewish Book Award.

Hiranandani explained why she is inspired to write historical fiction and how she draws a lot of inspiration from her own family history. “She shared photos of her family and information about the partition of India and Pakistan,” McCoy said. “I’m sure many of our students and faculty enjoyed hearing how Veera’s cultural identity informs her stories.”

During the writing workshops, each author gave the students writing prompts, time to share and positive feedback. 

As a member of the Middle School Book Club who is fond of the fantasy and mystery genres, Ada Garberina ’30 looks forward to the author visits each year.  “They've always been such a great opportunity to learn more about the authors and the authors' experiences and their processes outside of their presentation.”

“Alex London talked a lot about his experiences writing about things that interest him,” Garberina said. “While Veera Hiranandani’s inspiration was taken from her family's background and her history, and that was super interesting for me.”

McCoy hopes the students continue to be inspired by “reading different types of books if they don’t think of themselves as readers. And if they are readers, I hope they enjoyed hearing from authors about how they craft these immersive worlds for us to enjoy.”