Author of the Month

Why do an Author of the Month activity?

Every month, I introduce the students to a new author. It may be the same author for all grade levels (for instance in January we did an activity related to Jan Brett's book The Mitten) or it may be divided into different age/grade levels. 

I introduce the Author of the Month in the first week of the new month by reading a few short facts about the author and by showcasing their books in a bookshelf that I have designated. 

I have color coded the shelves and labeled them so each grade level knows where to find their Author of the Month books. I will keep these books in circulation on this shelf throughout the entire month! 

(Special Note: Kids seem to love this and flock to these books! Make sure you choose an author or series with many different books to offer students the chance to check out one of these books!) 

An Author of the Month activity offers the following:

• The opportunity for students to be introduced to a new author 
• The opportunity for students to learn more about authors
• The opportunity for students to be introduced to different styles of books they wouldn't inherently choose

Why is this important?

This is especially helpful for students who come to the library and are lost - the students who are overwhelmed by all of the choices. 

By introducing them to a new author each month, they have the knowledge of different book styles and choices. This allows them the ability to choose a book that they'll find most enjoyable and therefore increases their engagement in library time and reading! 

Libraries are...boring

• Libraries are dull and outdated
• Books are a thing of the past
• Libraries will one day cease to exist

Did I get your attention? 

These are the thoughts that are swirling around out there and I cannot believe my ears. Yes, the image of a library does conjure up a place with dusty books and an elderly lady with glasses on a pearl beaded string checking your books out and loudly hushing you. 

But this is such an outdated perception.

What if we could change that? 

What if we could make the library the hub and heart of the school?

It's possible - with a little elbow grease, determination and heart. That's what I hope to do in my Elementary library.

My name is Megan Franks and I'm a school librarian, book lover and author - click here to check out my work on Amazon.

I love learning, reading, writing and exploring new ways for kids to become interested in these areas as well!

This blog is a way for me to record the journey and to keep track of things that worked...and things I can improve on in the future. It is a hub of ideas for anyone and everyone who is interested in "pepping things up" in the library. I hope it's a source of inspiration and conversation.

I'd love to hear from you and gladly open the doors to creative brainstorming!