The title of today's blog entry ("When I read a book, it feels like I'm the main character") comes from Hargagan, a sixth grade student at St. Lawrence Senior Academy in Lasalle, Quebec.
I met Hargagan and several other sixth graders from the school at lunch time today, when I went to do a talk for the school's book club. The talk was organized by my friend (and former student!), librarian Wendy Corner.
I loved what Hargagan had to say about reading. Not only because it happens to me, too, when I read a book, but also because that feeling of identifying with your main character also happens when you WRITE A BOOK!
It was fun to get to work with students who are hooked on reading. We discussed the links between writing and reading (how both activities provide a safe place when the world goes a little crazy around us) and I also told the students how I get ideas for my books.
A student named William told us that his great-grandfather's 90th birthday is coming up this weekend and that his great-grandfather was a parachutist during World War II. That sure sounds to me like an amazing story and I urged William to interview his great-grandfather. (I told him I always try to get my interview subjects to have a cup of tea with me... it literally warms them up!)
A student named Connor seems to be whipping through my latest book, Pyro. In fact, at one point, I caught Connor sneaking a peak at the text!
So, if you're a member of the S.L.S.A. book club who happens to be reading today's blog entry, thanks for being fun, interested and smart! And thank Wendy for another great invite! (Someone should do a story about a librarian with a green thumb, who has such a big plant it's taking over the library!!)
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Comments
I wonder if you remember me, I'm Lea (one of the sixth graders from lunch) I just wanted to day a HUGE thank you for coming and sharing with us. It really was an honor to have seen you in person. As I am trying to write new stories, I find it can always be difficult to find new ideas and to express them freely. Thanks to you I know that new ideas can come from anywhere, and I now carry a notebook with me too.
I'm a student from the school St. Lawrence Senior... That meeting you had with a girl who stepped in for a quick moment at the door (me) was just amazing!!! I know it wasn't much, but for someone who was REALLY looking forward to seeing you, that handshake was more than I can ever ask for. I enjoyed every book I read written from you including 121 Express, Pyro and (right now) What World is Left?.