1. Library Skills Class Mrs. Geist Andrew ClementsAuthor Study

2. What is an author study? • Have you ever thought about the people who write the books you enjoy? Where do they live? How old are they? Do they have kids of their own? And how did they learn to write such great books? • You are about to become an EXPERT!

3. What is an author study? “ An author study is a unit lesson that gives students the opportunity to delve deeply into an author’s life and body of work. Whether individually, in small groups, or as a class, students can: • Critically evaluate an author’s themes, characters, and writing style • Make connections between the author’s life and work • Make personal connections between their own experiences and those of the author and his/her characters” http://www.readingrockets.org/content/pdfs/authortoolkit_rr.pdf

4. Why are we doing an author study? • To improve reading skills • To improve writing skills • To build critical thinking skills • To forge a deeper attachment to books • To boost information literacy skills • And, to add fun to the school day!

5. Introducing Andrew Clements • Andrew Clements is a American author of numerous books for children. His first book was published in 1985. Since then, he has written over 50 books, including novels, learn-to-read books, and picture books. He lives in Massachusetts and has four grown children.

6. A bit about his life

7. Some of his books

8. What do we want to find out?

9. Activities we’re going to do

10. Resources we will use

11. Questions or comments?