COURT HOUSE — Middle Township Middle School students annually vote on a “Book of the Year,” and this year, the title Masterminds came out on top. The students recently had the opportunity of a lifetime to discuss their favorite book with the author himself, Gordon Korman. An author of more than 80 children’s and young adult fiction books, Korman visited the school this month to speak with sixth, seventh and eighth grades about his titles and his writing process.
Each grade had read one of Korman’s books in class and performed related writing exercises. The sixth grade read Chasing the Falconers, the seventh grade read the Hypnotist and the eighth grade read Pop.
“The idea was to connect the writing process to the reading process and to get all of the students and teachers involved,” said Connie Chabok, instructional supervisor. “The students were energized about reading the books, especially knowing that they would meet Korman.”
Librarian Heather Chew initially reached out to Korman to invite him to Middle Township Middle School. She said that the school saved up money from its book fairs to bring in an author who is preferred among the students.
Korman’s visit was a hit with the students, who excitedly fired questions at him and repeatedly told him that Masterminds had been the school’s “Book of the Year.” A select group of students had additional time to talk with Korman over lunch.
“This experience is so cool,” said sixth-grade student Aiden Andre. “I am inspired that he started writing when he was just 14.”
Seventh-grade student Vincent Weiner asked Korman for writing tips. The author responded with advice for the whole group: “Read a lot and write a lot. Make writing a part of your life.”
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