When New York Times bestselling author Kate Messner shared one of her secrets for being a better writer—”I bring my notebook everywhere”—with a class at City Springs Elementary/Middle School this spring, seventh-grade students Denise and Monique grinned from ear to ear. They, too, always carry their writing and drawing notebooks, and they couldn’t wait to share their latest creations with Messner.
It was one of many ways City Schools is focusing on the power of strong literacy skills - inspiring and motivating students to explore their voice, tell their stories, and embrace diverse viewpoints. City Schools’ Library Media Specialists work in tandem with Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Heather Yost, Manager of Children and Young Adult Author Events, to bring authors to schools. More than 3,200 City School students met with 43 published authors this past school year. Pre-K students at Medfield Heights Elementary School listened as Dee Write, author of the Little Ruth Children's Collection, read from one of her books. Edmondson-Westside High School students talked with sisters Maika and Maritza Moulite about their young adult horror novel. The excitement for literature was felt across all grade levels.
Ms. Yost says, “The students read the author’s book, and we provide free copies of the book to all of them. Through these visits, they see that being an author is an exciting job and they get inspiration for a possible career.”
As part of its partnership with City Schools, the Pratt Library also coordinates the annual Battle of the Books (read the Progress Report story about this fun competition here) and Summer Break Baltimore, encouraging literacy and learning. The Pratt Library offers field trip transportation for students to visit its main branch located on Cathedral Street. The Teen Center offers reading materials, STEAM programming, literacy workshops, and collaborates with City Schools on initiatives such as National History Day.
During Kate Messner’s visit to City Springs, Library Media Specialist Zoe Rodowsky reflected on the Pratt partnership and author visits. “It’s a big deal for kids to meet an author. They can share their dreams and aspirations. With a book, they can always embark on an adventure and have a new experience. They may never have been hiking like the main character in Kate Messner’s book, but they can have the experience by reading the book.”
The City Springs students were eager to hear Ms. Messner’s process for writing her most recent novel, The Trouble with Heroes. She recounted outlining the book, trading drafts with other writers “to help make each other better,” and making revisions (“21 drafts!” she reported). She commiserated with the students about how hard it can be to get corrections and feedback that you may not want to hear. By reaffirming that “even a professional author gets feedback,” she further encouraged students to “read and read and read and read” to discover multiple perspectives and diverse voices.
When there was a moment for Denise and Monique to share their drawings and writing (including characters like an archangel, a “spider demon,” and Xavier (“a serial killer with a backstory”), Ms. Messner affirmed their creativity: “You made my day to hang out with two fellow creators.”
Russell Parisi, the Library Media Specialist at Commodore John Rodgers, also attests to the significance of the City Schools' partnership with the Pratt Library. “The Pratt is so resourceful and helpful. They’re helping us get kids interested in reading. If we need books, we can get them. It’s great to know that there’s an institution that can provide help and resources for students and librarians.”
“Author visits at Commodore John Rogers inspire students to not only read but to write,” Mr. Parisi says. “A famous author coming in to talk to them, at their school, makes them feel special and proud to be at our school. And it brings attention to the library as a hub of the school— a place for resources and a place to hang out.
When authors come to Commodore John Rodgers, Mr. Parisi asks students to think of questions in advance for the authors. “These kids came up with deep, thoughtful questions, like ‘What do I need to do to become an author?' It’s a great way for us to inspire and motivate them and remind them about preparing for college.”
“Our partnership with the Pratt Library has been invaluable," echoes Lurita Johnson, the Library Media Specialist at Fallstaff Elementary Middle School.
“When authors visit our school, students make a connection. They’re inspired when they’re able to physically see, hear, and touch them; they love shaking an author’s hand. Meeting an author helps them overcome their fear of expressing themselves, especially for multilingual learners. When they meet writers who look and sound like them and have lived their experience, it reminds them that they, too, are writers.”
Like Denise and Monique at City Springs, Fallstaff students are eager to show their portfolios to the visiting authors. Notes Ms. Johnson, “The students come alive. Some were apprehensive to tell anyone that they were keeping this incredible body of work. That's the power of author visits: it opens up the world, fosters critical thinking, and empowers them to discover the strength of their voice. That’s what these authors bring.”