Jarrett students learn basics of writing from nationally recognized author
Jarrett Middle School and librarian Karen Martin hosted author Obert Skye on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Skye is the published author of 30 books.
"I've found that personally interacting with an author makes a gigantic difference with students," said Karen Martin, Jarrett librarian. "Once they meet an author and listen to them speak, they want to read their books. It is a powerful connection."
During his schoolwide presentation, Skye encouraged the students at Jarrett that everyone can be a writer. He presented six steps to accomplish the goal of becoming an author.
- Read
- Brainstorm
- Work (keep writing ideas down)
- Reach (be willing to revise and change your writing for clarity)
- Finish (reach out for help and finish what you begin)
- Jump (have courage to share your story
“Jarrett students are readers," said Martin. "When author April Henry came to Jarrett, we read all of her books. Author Alan Gratz came to Jarrett last year, so we read Alan Gratz books. This year we’ve read lots of Obert Skye’s books...We want more and more students to discover the joy of reading."
Seventh-grader Ezra Gillham is reading a book in Skye’s series. “Wizard for Hire is very creative and the series is not like any other book series. It is engaging,” said Ezra.
The Children’s Literature Festival of the Ozarks is held on Oct. 10 in Springfield. Together, 30 Jarrett students who read books by three of the attending authors at the festival will attend the Author Autograph Party at the University Plaza with librarian Karen Martin. Jarrett students will have an opportunity to meet and get autographs from all 15 attending authors.
“This is an awesome opportunity for our students to meet and visit with authors whose books they’ve read,” said Martin.
For more information regarding Obert Skye, visit www.obertskye.com.