Web Wonders
Volume 31, Number 3, February 2004
Author Sites for Middle School Students
Joanne Troutner
Developing readers in Grades 5-8 have a vast range of
reading tastes. Take time to look over these middle school
author web sites as you look for materials to match this
range of reading tastes as well continuing to collaborate
with your colleagues this school year.
Jon Scieszka
Jon Scieszka is a favorite among male readers at this
age. You can begin with his Guys
Read web page, where
you’ll find a great bibliography of books specifically
targeted at male readers as well as some interesting
discussion on getting boys to read. This is the official
site of Jon Scieszka’s literacy initiative for
boys.
The next stop is a writer’s
workshop on fractured fairytales, where readers can
turn into writers. The site contains Scieszka’s thoughts
on writing, hints for writers wanting to develop their
own fractured fairy
tales and fables, and a safe online publishing environment
for the new authors.
Youngsters wanting some material
for an author report on Scieszka should take a look at
the “unofficial” site.
Here they will find a biography page, a discussion
of literary relations, cultural connections,
a look at the style of illustrations, as well as
a nicely done bibliography.
Lois Lowry
Here Newbery award winner and
middle school favorite Lois Lowry provides an
inside look into her writing and life.
The biographical information provides an intimate
look at her life, including pictures of her
children,
grandchildren, dog and home. A collection of
her speeches is accessible via PDF files, while a list
of books
provides short teasers to interest readers.
Another great feature
is an FAQ (frequently asked questions) section.
Here Lowry answers e-mail questions she often
receives.
The answers are straightforward and sometimes
quite humorous.
Jean Craighead George
This is the
official site for another Newbery winner, Jean Craighead
George. Here the author
of Julie
of the wolves provides tips on helping
youngsters write
as well
as a look at the books she has written.
George also provides a number of audio clips, video
clips and
photographs which help the reader get to
know her better. A “What’s
New” and “Q & A” section
also keep the visitor up to date on the
writings and publications
of this award-winning author.
Judy Blume
Ever popular author Judy Blume provides
a look at real life via print and now
online at her
lively web site.
Here readers will find information on
Blume’s life,
comments on what has influenced her writing,
and discussions about her books. Students will find links
to sites related
to some of Blume’s well-known books
like Fudge, as well as some of her lesser-known
titles. In addition,
the site includes a set of answers to
frequently
asked questions. Teacher-librarians will
enjoy the comments
on censorship.
Two more Newbery winners
have web sites, which will provide young
readers with
insight into
their lives
and their
works.
Katherine Paterson
Katherine Paterson’s official
site provides a short biography, a number of questions
with
answers, a list
of awards, and a schedule of speaking
events. The site is rounded out with an annotated bibliography
of the
novels, Christmas stories, retellings,
picture
books, chapter books, and non-fiction writings.
Susan Cooper
Susan Cooper, author of The Dark is Rising
series, presents this
mystical site where fantasy
fans will find a biography
of the Newbery winner for The grey king,
the standard Q & A page, a look at Wales through Cooper’s
eyes, links to her other works and the
option to post a review by the reader on the
site.
The site is completed
with lengthy annotations on each of the
books comprising The Dark is Rising series.
Joan Bauer
Joan
Bauer’s web site provides an intimate look
at this author popular with older middle
school and high school students. Readers will find
a number of reflections
on various books by Bauer, a short essay
on “Why
I Read” and biographical information.
In addition, brief annotations of her
works, recipes related to the
characters, as well as teaching materials
can be found. Great site for both teachers
and
readers.
Gordon Korman
Gordon Korman, writer of works that guys
like to read, also has a
web site where
readers can
find
complete
annotations of the wide variety of works
he has written. Excerpts
from the books are often included, while
several short fiction works are posted
in their entirety.
In addition,
the Korman site has a chat room feature.
Registered users (registration is free)
can access the quizzes
available
on his works and housed on the discussion
board. The discussion board also provides
options for
talking about writing as well books and
authors. (See also
the Author
Portrait feature on Korman in this issue
of Teacher Librarian.)
Gary Paulsen
Gary Paulsen’s adventure themes
are always a hit with young male readers.
They will enjoy finding out
more about the author at his
web site. Here students
can read about Paulsen’s latest real adventure
on the high seas, find a library of annotations of his
books as well as excerpts from each, and play the White
Fox game. A short Q & A page provides a brief glimpse
into Paulsen’s life. A longer biography
is also available.
Will Hobbs
Will
Hobb's web site offers his fans a look at why he
wrote each book
along with
pictures
that inspired his writing. Readers will
also find a list of Hobbs’ favorite
questions about his life and his writing.
A whimsical “Just for Fun” section
provides a number of interactive questions
related to the author’s life and
literature. The site is rounded out with
a section
of teaching
ideas.
Please contact me at troutner@mindspring.com with
suggestions and ideas or check out my web
site for
other great sites. Also, please remember that when
using addresses on the Internet you need to pay attention
to upper and lower case letters and that addresses change
rapidly. Thus, you may find the ones highlighted are
different by the time you actually see this column in
print.
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