Last week, Sarah Weeks, author of the novels Pie and So B. It as well as many picture books, including Oh My Gosh, Mrs. McNosh and Ella, Of Course, visited our school. There is nothing like an author visit to excite students about reading and writing, and Sarah’s visit was a huge hit.

In words and pictures, Sarah shared her earliest writing and how she became a published author. She talked about finding ideas for stories everywhere and the importance of being observant. The kids loved Sarah’s honesty about tackling sensitive topics such as divorce and mentally challenged people in her books. Best of all, every topic Sarah discussed was infused with humor.

Often students are reluctant to revise their first drafts. Sarah was clear that this just isn’t an option. My colleagues and I practically cheered when she told the kids that “no editor has ever said [your manuscript] is perfect, you don’t have to change a word.”

After reading all of Sarah’s books about Mrs. McNosh, our Kindergarten and first grade students created their own adventures for this wacky character.

Almost a week later, students throughout the school are still stopping me in the hall to ask “Do you have any more books by Sarah Weeks?” A successful author visit inspires students to stretch themselves as readers and writers. Sarah Weeks did just that.

Thank you to Stacey and all her new co-bloggers at Two Writing Teachers for hosting Slice of Life Tuesdays.