Using author studies to inform, support and inspire children’s reading and writing.

Through classroom author studies, children learn about authors-- their unique writing styles, their lives, their interests, and the many different ways they intentionally craft their books. Author studies give children a ‘peek’ into the literate lives of many of their favorite poets and storytellers, giving children a level of comfort and familiarity with that author and his/her writing. This article offers a theoretical and pedagogical rationale for using author studies and shares firsthand accounts of how authors can influence and support young readers and writers. It will also suggest methods for how to identify authors and implement author studies in the classroom. Specific authors we have found to be useful as literacy “mentors” for young writers are also included.

Using author studies to inform, support and inspire children’s reading and writing. Academic Article