An author study is an important part of any literature lesson. Not only does it permit the student to reflect on the author's perspective and frame of reference, but it also allows for contrast and comparison. The student can pick up on writing styles, themes, and links to the author's life. Additionally, emphasizing authors can ignite a love for reading. A student can discover an author they really enjoy and begin a quest to read all of that author's works. Likewise, a student might discover a commonality in life experiences or an interesting event in the life of the author that sparks their curiosity. Below is a list of resources for students, teachers, and parents to bulk up on their author studies.
Favorite Authors Grades K-2
Eric Carle: the official website of the author of The Hungry Caterpillar.
Norman Bridwell: a biography of the author of the Clifford the Big Red Dog series.
Joanna Cole: a biographical essay on the career of the woman who wrote The Magic School Bus books.
Dr. Seuss: a complete resource guide to one of history's most noted authors.
Margret Rey: a discussion of the author of Curious George and the monkey's creation.
Barbara Park: information on the life of Park as well as her June B. Jones books.
Stan, Jan, and Mike Berenstain: information on the family who created the Berenstain Bears.
Laura Numeroff: a summary of the career of the children's author If You Give a... book series.
Pat Hutchins: the British author and illustrator of such notable children's books as Rosie's Walk and The Wind Blew .
Arnold Lobel: a popular American children's author most noted for his Frog and Toad series.
Betsy Lewin: an American author best know for setting the scene in remote locations she's traveled to as in Gorilla Walk and Horse Song.
Favorite Authors Grades 3-4
Maurice Sendak: an American writer and illustrator most known for Where the Wild Things Are .
Richard Atwater: author of the Newberry award winning Mr. Popper's Penguins.
Judy Blume: American author of children and young adult novels such as SuperFudge and Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret.
Beverly Cleary: the American author and former librarian who wrote such books as Ralph S. Mouse and Beezus and Ramona.
Katherine Hannigan: an award-winning author best known for Ida B. (2004).
Clyde Robert Bulla: the author of over 50 children's books including The Shoeshine Girl and The Donkey Cart.
Susan Patron: the Newberry award winning author known for her works Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe, The Higher Power of Lucky, and Burgoo Stew.
Patrick Skene Catling: a British children's author best know for his 1952 work The Chocolate Touch.
Johanna Hurwitz: the award winning author of 70 children's books known for Busybody Nora and The Riverside Kids.
Suzy Kline: children's author who created the characters Horrible Harry and Herbie Jones.
Dan Gutman: the American author known for his ...& Me series.
Favorite Authors Grades 5-6
Mary Norton: an English children's author who wrote The Borrowers.
Lois Lowry: a former photographer and journalist best known for her works The Giver and Number the Stars .
Katherine Paterson: an award winning author best noted for Bridge to Terabithia.
Gordon Korman: a Canadian American author known for No More Dead Dogs and the Bruno and Boots series.
Roald Dahl: a British novelist noted for works such as James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Gary Paulsen: an American author famous for his wilderness themed books for young adults such as Tracker and the Hatchet books.
J.R.R. Tolkien: the British fantasy fiction author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Ralph Fletcher: a young adult writer noted for Fig Pudding and Uncle Daddy.
Jon Scieszka: the comedic young adult author who wrote The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales.
Patricia Reilly Giff: the award winning author who wrote the Polk Street School series and Lily's Crossing.
Author Study Resources
Reading List: a complete guide to notable authors and their books suitable for first grade students.
Children's Authors and Illustrators: a complete listing of the most noted children's authors along with a list of their works.
Author Study Toolkit: resources for parents and educators to help students fully delve into a book and the author's perspective.
Author Study: a lesson plan for educators complete with techniques and activities.
Author Studies: using author and genre information to motivate students to love reading.
Integrating Internet into Curriculum: a lesson plan for using the Internet to enhance author studies. This plan uses Eric Carle as an example.
Author Resources: an informative list of sites to help educators and parents with author studies.
Author Study versus Mentor Text: explains the differences and key characteristics of the two literary concepts.
Please feel free to print out any of the above sources of information at home. Be sure and stock up on high quality inkjet cartridges or laser toner.
This was written by Clickinks.com, your home for printer inks and laser toner.