AUTHORS IN OUR SCHOOLS
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At the RIF of NOVA Golden Gala in October 2022, best-selling author David Baldacci and his wife Michelle Baldacci made a generous gift to support RIF of NOVA. The gift has been designated toward a multi-year plan to bring authors and illustrators and their books to several RIF of NOVA participating schools. When students meet authors and illustrators, they are excited and inspired to see themselves as creators, too!
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"The Yellow Áo Dài" with Author Hanh Bui
On April 11, 2024, a small group of Crestwood Elementary School (Fairfax County) third graders had lunch with author Hanh Bui. When asked if anyone wanted to write a story, one boy said yes but he didn't know what to write about. Once author Bui finished reading her hot-off-the press second book, Anh's New Word, the boy said he finally had an idea. "I'm going to write a story about meeting my first author!"
Hanh Bui spoke about her latest book over lunch
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This third grader now has a story to write!
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Hanh Bui and the third grade lunch bunch
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To a packed library of first graders followed by a second session with second graders, Hanh Bui read her first book, The Yellow Áo Dài. To explain her debut work celebrating family ties and her Vietnamese heritage, author Bui taught the children some hand motions to make every time they heard the word áo dài or lotus or fan. After the reading, she engaged them in a story sequencing game using small fans and asked them to share a story with their neighbor. A few class members spoke Vietnamese, and they helped teach the class how to count to 10 in the Vietnamese language.
Engaging the children using hand motions
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Story sequencing was never so much fun!
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Helping the author count to 10 in Vietnamese ... so proud!
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And, of course, no author visit would be complete without a signed copy of the author's book, funded by David Baldacci and provided by RIF of NOVA. Hanh Bui signed each and every one with the words, "Go Owls," celebrating the school's mascot. Special thanks to Crestwood librarian Vicki Spino for arranging such an amazing author visit. As the children left the library with their books, one child was heard to say, "This was a 10!" More about the author and her story can be found by clicking here.
"Go Owls!" wrote Hanh Bui as she autographed every book.
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First graders got their books one by one as they left the library.
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"This was a 10!"
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Hanh Bui -- Take Two!
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Hanh Bui read her book during a second RIF of NOVA author appearance...this time at Hutchison Elementary School (also Fairfax County) on April 23, 2024. From the welcome sign outside the school to a final thank you card, the second-grade excitement was over the top, thanks to librarian and NOVA RIF liaison Marci Hoyt. At a lunch bunch small group session, the children were prepared with questions for the author: "How do you make the scene feel real with a lot of detail?" and "What do you write the words with?" A couple of children had already written their own story and wanted to share it during the lunch session. They also wanted to share some of the languages they know by counting to ten in Spanish, Vietnamese, French, and more! And they all wanted to share in a hug!
Welcome sign at Hutchison Elementary
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Children were so proud to count to 10 in several languages
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These two children wrote and illustrated a story together. Mrs. Bui loved it!
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Hugs, hugs, and more hugs!
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The excitement was equally palpable in the library. After Hanh Bui read The Yellow Áo Dài, children participated in a sequencing game based on the book and shared their own family tradition stories with a neighbor. When they discovered they were each getting an autographed -- and personalized -- copy of Mrs. Bui's book, a collective "Yayyyyyy" went up in the room. One child couldn't wait to get out the door to start reading! Exclaimed another child, "I'm going to read your book every day!" Along with the children's expressions of thanks, librarian Marcy Hoyt prepared a special video from the school to capture the day. Click here for that!
Story sequencing fun based on hearing the story
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Each book was autographed and personalized
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So excited to start reading!
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Thank you! Thank you!
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"Everyone, Just Like Me" with Author Carylee Carrington
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When Carylee Carrington's then five-year-old son came home from school one day, he had something important to tell his mom: his classmates said he should play only with children of the same skin color. So this mom went into action...and wrote a book!!! Everyone, Just Like Me is about a boy named Joshua who has to get glasses. In wanting not to be different due to his new eyewear, the boy wishes for everyone to be the same. When hilarity and confusion ensue, Joshua discovers there may be a problem with his request. Ms. Carrington's book encourages kids to embrace their uniqueness and realize that individual differences are what make each person special.
That was the theme of author Carrington's presentation to students at Prince William County's Potomac View Elementary School on February 22, 2024 -- as part of the NOVA RIF Authors in Our Schools program. The self-described "Tutu Queen of Northern Virginia" received a RIF book as a child. That book, The Three Little Kittens, sparked a lifelong interest in reading -- and now writing -- children's books. She has published three books to date and is a stalwart advocate for diversity in children's literature. Before a crowd of excited 3rd and 4th graders, Carylee Carrington spoke about everyone's uniqueness. As each child left the gym with an autographed book and a bookmark, one child exclaimed, "You are the best in the north, south, east, and west!" NOVA RIF liaison Debbie Crawn noted, "After you left, the conversations about being yourself and befriending everyone were amazing! Thank you for helping to confirm to our students that they are each special, and different, and truly amazing!!!" |
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"Freewater" with Author Amina Luqman-Dawson
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In January 2023, Arlington, Virginia author Amina Luqman-Dawson got a call from the American Library Association. Her book Freewater had just won the prestigious Coretta Scott King Award, which recognizes outstanding books for young adults and children by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience. That same night, she got a second call. The book had also won the John Newbery Medal, given annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Luqman-Dawson is the first woman to win both awards.
Set in the Great Dismal Swamp, Freewater is a middle-grade novel about a secret community of formerly enslaved people. Drew Elementary School librarian and NOVA RIF board member and liaison Dora Sue Black invited the author to her Arlington school on February 8, 2024 and read much of the story to her fifth graders in the days leading up to the library event. During a lively presentation, the kids showed they knew a lot about the story. Each child received an autographed book, gifted via the NOVA RIF Authors in Our Schools program. |
Drew librarian Dora Sue Black looked on as author Luqman-Dawson authographed her books.
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The kids were amazed when the author told them how many times she had rewritten her book before it was published -- 25 times!
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Hands went up across the library when the author engaged the kids in a Fact or Fiction Q&A.
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After her presentation describing the more than 10-year process to write and publish Freewater, Ms. Luqman-Dawson invited the children to ask questions. And ask they did! How did you get the idea for your book? Which character do you most relate to? What was your favorite chapter? How did you come up with the title? One child asked, "Why did you write the book when you didn't even know you wanted to be an author?" To that, the author had a message urging the children to stick to their dreams. "You can't wait for someone to tell you. Just try!" And when she answered some questions in Spanish, many of the children were beyond wowed!
Amina Luqman-Dawson handed a copy of "Freewater" to each fifth grader.
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Thumbs up from this happy reader!
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These students couldn't wait to compare notes!
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Encore, Encore, Amina Luqman-Dawson...
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On April 26, 2024, the welcome mat was out -- almost literally -- for Amina Luqman-Dawson's visit to her second RIF of NOVA school: Randolph Elementary in Arlington. As was true at Drew, the 5th graders were prepared for the author's visit, thanks to librarian and RIF of NOVA liaison Anita Van Harten Cater. Ms. Luqman-Dawson delighted the children with her own fifth grade photo and told them she sometimes writes in her bathrobe!
After the presentation, the students asked some insightful questions about how the author got the idea for her book, why she wrote it, where she wrote it, and how many rewrites were required. One asked if writing is a stressful activity (yes!). They also wanted to know how the author developed her characters and which one is the most like someone she knows in "real" life. Each child got an autographed copy of Freewater to continue reading and exploring this historical middle grade novel. |
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"Ramen for Everyone" with Author Patricia Tanumihardja
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Ramen for Everyone is Patricia Tanumihardja's debut picture book, featuring the story of a boy who tries -- and fails and tries again -- to make the perfect noodle dish. The author of three children's books and several cookbooks, Ms. Tanumihardja read her story to kindergarten through second graders at Fairfax County's Mount Eagle Elementary School on January 17, 2024, as part of the RIF of NOVA Authors in Our Schools program.
Not only were the children enchanted by the story of a boy about their own age, they could also relate to eating noodles! After listening intently, they tried their hands at using paper straw "chopsticks." Each child was gifted an autographed book of his or her very own, funded by RIF of NOVA, and a set of real chopsticks to practice noodle-eating at home! Upon learning everyone would get a book, one child said, "You're the best!" Learn more about the author by clicking here. |
Ms. Tanumihardja signed books for a couple of hours!
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Each book was personalized with a specific child's name.
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Then she started her presentation: Who likes to eat noodles? Just about everyone!
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The author told her story, as an immigrant from Indonesia. Many children could relate to that, too.
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The author's son, who loves ramen, was the inspiration for "Ramen for Everyone."
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Then it was time to try the straw "chopsticks."
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Hmmmm... How in the world do you use these things?
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You place your fingers just so.
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Success with a bowl of yarn noodles!
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And the ramen fun continued...
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Pat Tanumihardja's author visits continued at John Adams Elementary School (Alexandria) on April 3 with a library full of first graders (pics above) and on the school's "Literacy Night" on April 18 for parents and children who gathered in the school's cafetorium. While the evening began with a family pizza dinner, it ended with thoughts of noodles and reading. Author Tanumihardja talked about being an author, read her book Ramen for Everyone, and answered many questions including how long it took to write the book, where she got the idea, and how many books she has written.
The best of the night came at the end, when each child had a turn not only to receive his or her own copy of the book -- handed out by Assisted Principal, Dr. Jeffrey Palmer -- but to talk to the author while she inscribed it with each child's name. Parents, with cell phones clicking, were equally excited. One child captured the spirit of the event with an enthusiastic declaration, "I LOVE books!" -- and an ear-to-ear smile. |
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"Veo, Veo, I See You" with Author-Illustrator Lulu Delacre
Author-illustrator Lulu Delacre participated as the first in-person author to visit a NOVA RIF school. The three-time Pura Belpré Award honoree and New York Times bestselling artist has been writing and illustrating children's books since 1980, with 44 books to her name (so far!), along with 75 awards and honors.
On November 9, 2023, she visited Arlington's Carlin Springs Elementary School to the absolute delight of the second through fifth graders. In a packed cafeteria, she explained how she writes a book and taught the children that everyone has a story to tell!
On November 9, 2023, she visited Arlington's Carlin Springs Elementary School to the absolute delight of the second through fifth graders. In a packed cafeteria, she explained how she writes a book and taught the children that everyone has a story to tell!
Lulu Delacre (l) was introduced by Carlin Springs principal Carmen De La Cruz Scales (m) and librarian (and NOVA RIF liaison) Holly Nisco (r)
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Kids raised their hands in excitement as the author engaged them in making up a story
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Lulu Delacre illustrates her books using a variety of media. She passed around a cut-out she made to illustrate one of her books.
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Children gathered around to hear more about the book "Veo, Veo, I See You"
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And then they crowded in for a photo with the author (r)
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And then the hugs started!
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One class created a thank you note with phrases like, "We love all of your books," and "Thank you for visiting the school."
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Every second through fifth grade child was gifted a book, either "Veo, Veo, I See You" or "Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees"
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Lulu Delacre autographed every single book, and that was a lot of books!
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Virtual Author Visits
The Authors in Our Schools program actually had a "virtual" launch in May 2023 as several schools participated in Shenandoah University’s annual Children’s Literature Conference, which, among other options, offers schools virtual visits with authors and illustrators. The 50-minute visits were broadcast live, and students were given the opportunity to ask questions during the presentations. Eighteen RIF of NOVA schools took advantage, bringing authors and illustrators to more than 118 classrooms during the month of May. Each school was also given several copies of the presenting author’s books to distribute to students or classrooms.
The "virtual" authors included...
...Chris Van Dusen, John Schumacher (better known as Mr. Schu) and Katherine Applegate, Bob Shea, R.J. Palacio, and Alan Gratz. In addition, Dr. Karen Huff, conference coordinator and Director of Shenandoah University's Children’s Literature Program & Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, offered scholarships to any teachers in any of our RIF of NOVA Title 1 programs to attend the full conference and receive three college credits for doing so. Two teachers took advantage of this wonderful opportunity. In the coming years, we hope to continue this partnership with Shenandoah University.
The "virtual" authors included...
...Chris Van Dusen, John Schumacher (better known as Mr. Schu) and Katherine Applegate, Bob Shea, R.J. Palacio, and Alan Gratz. In addition, Dr. Karen Huff, conference coordinator and Director of Shenandoah University's Children’s Literature Program & Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, offered scholarships to any teachers in any of our RIF of NOVA Title 1 programs to attend the full conference and receive three college credits for doing so. Two teachers took advantage of this wonderful opportunity. In the coming years, we hope to continue this partnership with Shenandoah University.
Potomac View Elementary School students enjoyed a drawing lesson from author/illustrator Chris Van Dusen
They watched...
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They drew...
And they were pretty proud of their work!
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Meanwhile, at Dumfries Elementary School, Mrs. Breeden's first grade class participated in a virtual author visit with Bob Shea.
Bob Shea showed the "how-to's" of his drawings
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Dumfries first graders were all eyes!
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And they tried their hands at it -- with quite good results!
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Virtual Visits Continued in Spring 2024
Several NOVA RIF schools participated in Shenandoah University's annual Children's Literature Conference in 2024, including Dumfries Elementary School. Author/illustrator David Shannon mesmerized the children with his book No, David! The teachers were mesmerized, too, noted librarian and NOVA RIF liaison Emily Decarolis, as they watched Shannon talk about his Caldecott Honor winning book. Children also saw authors Jamila Thompkins-Bigelow, Steve Sheinkin, and Lucky Diaz via this wonderful program.
Dumfries ES third graders (and their teachers) loved this virtual author visit!
When author David Shannon was five years old, he wrote a story about a little six-year-old boy named David doing all sorts of activities he was not supposed to do. "No" and "David" were the only words that appeared throughout the book, as they were the only words Shannon knew how to spell at that age. In 1997, Shannon came across his childhood book in his mother's closet and re-wrote it using a childlike handwriting and including drawings of his mishaps. The book was published in 1998.
In a boisterous exploration of naughtiness, the little boy "careens from one unruly deed to the next – drawing on the walls, tracking mud all over the carpet, and jumping on the bed in red cowboy boots" and hears, “Stop that this instant!” “Be quiet!” “Not in the house, David!” and most vigorously, “No, David!” The shenanigans end on a high note, though, with a penitent David (he broke a vase with a baseball) enfolded in his mother’s arms as she assures him, “Yes, David, I love you.” |
There have been many adaptations created from this original short story, including David Goes to School, David Gets in Trouble, and It's Christmas, David! For more about David Shannon, please click here.
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Reaction to the virtual author/illustrator experiences? All positive!
"The students and teachers LOVED the visit. It has sparked a renewed interest in author study and reading books that this author has written or illustrated. When Mr. Van Dusen was asked a question about how he became such an amazing illustrator, he answered that drawing takes practice and so does writing. This comment stuck with students as some were heard to say, "I need to keep practicing so I can get better!" -- Debbie Crawn, Potomac View Elementary School
"Our 4th grade students were studying Katherine Applegate, so we chose this author visit. We purchased This is a School for our K-2 classrooms and Odder for grades three through five classrooms to read. We had them talk about the authors and read their books prior to the author visit. Our students liked the books as well as seemed to enjoy the author visit." -- Bethany Drake, Yorkshire Elementary School
"The older students LOVED it! We had read Chris Van Dusen books earlier this year, and they loved seeing his studio and robots and all of it!" -- Mary Frances Daly, Mount Eagle Elementary School
"Bob Shea was very engaging. Both students and teachers enjoyed seeing how he created his books. They loved the interactive Q&A and hearing the author read some of his books." -- Emily Decarolis, Dumfries Elementary School
"The teachers and students enjoyed the author visit of R.J. Palacio and even had some of their questions answered. I hope you will be able to offer this program again." -- Edith Serrano, Oak Ridge Elementary School
"The students and teachers LOVED the visit. It has sparked a renewed interest in author study and reading books that this author has written or illustrated. When Mr. Van Dusen was asked a question about how he became such an amazing illustrator, he answered that drawing takes practice and so does writing. This comment stuck with students as some were heard to say, "I need to keep practicing so I can get better!" -- Debbie Crawn, Potomac View Elementary School
"Our 4th grade students were studying Katherine Applegate, so we chose this author visit. We purchased This is a School for our K-2 classrooms and Odder for grades three through five classrooms to read. We had them talk about the authors and read their books prior to the author visit. Our students liked the books as well as seemed to enjoy the author visit." -- Bethany Drake, Yorkshire Elementary School
"The older students LOVED it! We had read Chris Van Dusen books earlier this year, and they loved seeing his studio and robots and all of it!" -- Mary Frances Daly, Mount Eagle Elementary School
"Bob Shea was very engaging. Both students and teachers enjoyed seeing how he created his books. They loved the interactive Q&A and hearing the author read some of his books." -- Emily Decarolis, Dumfries Elementary School
"The teachers and students enjoyed the author visit of R.J. Palacio and even had some of their questions answered. I hope you will be able to offer this program again." -- Edith Serrano, Oak Ridge Elementary School
