Authors visit District 135 schools
June 28, 2012 1:36PM
Sean Connolly, author of “The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science.” demonstrates the effects of air pressure and gravity as a pingpong ball hovers over a hair dryer. | Supplied Photo
Updated: August 2, 2012 6:01AM
Orland School District 135 schools recently welcomed several children’s book authors, including RJ Palacio, David Lubar, Sean Connolly and Carolyn Crimi.
Palacio is the author of “Wonder,” a story about a young student with a severe facial disfigurement. During her visit, Palacio described to students the real-life event that inspired her story and the lessons she hopes readers gain.
“At the age that you are, this is the first time you’re really making choices on your own, and you’re figuring out who you are and what you want to be,” Palacio told students.
“The theme of ‘Wonder’ is kindness and helping kids understand that you have to choose to be kind. It’s not easy, but it’s contagious.”
Palacio described kindness as the “best weapon against bullying.”
Crimi, author of “Pugs in a Bug,” “Rock ’n’ Roll Mole” and “The Louds Move In,” spoke to primary school students and focused on inspiring them to write and tell stories.
“You are all really good story makers,” Crimi told students. “Get creative.”
Crimi advised that students look at pictures and come up with a story by asking. “What’s the problem?”
Lubar offered a different starting question for students in third through fifth grades — “What if?”
“That question leads to an idea,” Lubar said. “Everyone will come up with a different image to go with that idea.”
Lubar, who wrote such titles as “The Nathan Abercrombie” series, “The Weenies” series and “Hidden Talents,” said he trained his mind to recognize ideas because he is always open to them.
Connolly, author of “The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science” and “The Book of Perfectly Perilous Math,” incorporated world problems and homemade science experiments into his visit and challenged students to come up with solutions and the reason for them.
Provided to the SouthtownStar
