Advertise on podcast: Meet the Author

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

Author Alan Gratz is the New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction and fantasy novels for young readers. His latest book, Refugee is a YALSA 2018 Best Fiction for Young Adults. This novel tells the story of three children who flee their countries and homes in search of refuge. In the School Library Journal, a reviewer wrote that Refugee "...will help young people make sense of today's refugee crisis. Meant to be read, discussed, and shared widely." During the live webcast, Alan Gratz talks about his books, offers insights on character development, and describes his writing process. During the live webcast, Gratz answers e-mail questions and phone calls from students. Segments include questions and comments from students at Key Middle School. Originally recorded on 10/19/18

Winner of the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Award for Juvenile Fiction, James Ponti told a Orlando Sentinel reporter, “I’m happy in this world of books. I love the librarians, the teachers and the kids.” Ponti has written for the Disney Channel, PBS Kids and Nickelodeon. In this live edition of Meet the Author, he discusses his segue from writing for television to writing young adult fiction. Ponti talks about his Framed! book series as well as the Dead City trilogy. During the webcast, students from Glasgow Middle School ask thoughtful questions via Skype and Twain Middle School students talk about the ingredients of a good mystery. Originally recorded on 10/4/18

Stuart Gibbs has always wanted to be a writer, even writing stories in kindergarten. He also wanted to go to space, work at the zoo, and be a spy. Those career choices are reflected in his many books — from Belly Up to Spaced Out. Gibbs is known for his humorous and suspenseful series of books including FunJungle, The Last Musketeer, and the New York Times bestselling Spy School and Moon Base Alpha series. He has written several screenplays and developed television shows for Disney, Nickelodeon, ABC, and Fox. In this edition of Meet the Author, Stuart shares his writing process insights on research and character development. Coates Elementary School students create book hooks and cover art for Stuart’s books. The author also answers students’ e-mail questions and phone calls. Originally recorded on 1/11/18

She’s a “seeker of lost stories.” During a BookList Reader interview, Ruta Sepetys said, “I want to give voice to those who have never had a chance to tell their story.” Her books are published in over 50 countries and in 36 languages, and read by teens and adults alike. Her latest historical fiction, Salt to the Sea, is a New York Times Bestseller. Told from the character’s point of view, the book follows the struggles of three teenagers who seek refuge during the end of World War II but find tragedy instead. During the live webcast, Ruta Sepetys shares her writing process, insights on research, character development, and telling one’s personal story. She also talks about other her award-winning books Between Shades of Grey and Out of the Easy. In one segment, Stone Middle Schools (FCPS) students packed “virtual suitcases.” Ruta Sepetys also answers questions from students. Originally recorded on 11/2/17

Once a reluctant reader, author Jason Reynolds never imaged that he would become a writer of books for students in middle grades. And not just a writer, a New York Times bestselling author, a National Book Award Honoree, a Kirkus Award winner, a Walter Dean Myers Award winner, an NAACP Image Award Winner, and the recipient of multiple Coretta Scott King honors. According to the author, his books — The Boy in the Black Suit, As Brave as You, All American Boys, Ghost – are “slice-of-life stories typically revolving around African-American teenagers, specifically in urban environments.” During the live webcast, Jason Reynolds discusses his reluctance to reading because the classics did not reflect the urban environment in which he grew up. Inspired by Queen Latifah's rap lyrics, he discovered poetry and his writing voice. Jason Reynolds says everyone has a story to tell, but, “You can’t fix it, if it doesn’t exist.” Jason Reynolds also shares his writing tips and philosophy on life. Originally recorded on 9/28/17

Back by popular demand is sports enthusiast and author, Fred Bowen. This former lawyer scores a win with his Sports Story Series. According to the School Library Journal: “The books in the 'Fred Bowen Sports Story' series are fast-paced, and at just over 100 pages, they're perfect for reluctant readers.... Young readers will devour these stories, along with their painless lessons, and still have time to join their friends for games.” According to the author: “So many kids are passionate about sports, and I like tapping into that passion to show them how much fun reading can be.” Whether your favorite sport is football, baseball, basketball, or soccer, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Originally recorded on 4/21/17