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Prior to the sessions in our school's auditorium, Ms. Woodson toured our school. 6th/7th grade Language Arts teacher Ms. Hartman shared a project her 6th graders did based on Ms. Woodson's Show Way. Ms. Woodson was eagerly greeted by the class that thoroughly enjoyed her books.

Ms. Woodson visited with our school's Library's student aides. The kids have a moment to share why many of Jacqueline Woodson's books are their favorites.
Prior to her presentations, Ms. Woodson makes small talk with Mr. Krause, our building's principal.  Her warm and open style was a big hit with our students and faculty alike.

Mr. Holtz has the honor and privilege to introduce Ms. Woodson to our school. It was his efforts and the school's administrators ability to rearrange ISAT testing schedules that made this visit possible.

To read a book is one thing, to listen to an award winning author share his or her work is another. Jacqueline Woodson read from her book, Feathers. Most of the school's 6th and 7th grade students had the opportunity to listen to a classroom teacher read Feathers or Locomotion.

Brooks students and faculty follow along with Jacqueline Woodson's very touching and educational presentation about her award winning writing.

Brooks students had the opportunity to ask Ms. Woodson about the nature of her writing, how books get published, as well as specific questions about Ms. Woodson's books.

Ms. Woodson signed copies of her new book Feathers for students. Students from the Brooks Book Club assisted Ms. Woodson and asked a few questions about Locomotion, a book they discussed earlier in the year.

March 16th, 2007 will always be a special day for our students at Brooks Middle School.  The day filled with energy and excitement in anticipation of a visiting gifted author.  It is amazing how eager our students were to be involved in this special program.

Ms. Woodson is the 2006 recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award. The Margaret A. Edwards Award is a life-time achievement award given to an author that has a positive impact on the lives of young adults. The award presented by YALSA. "It recognizes an author's work in helping adolescents become aware of themselves and addressing questions about their role and importance in relationships, society, and in the world." (ala.org)  In addition to this life-time achievement award, she has won multiple Coretta Scott King Awards/Honors for her books, a John L. Newbery Honor Medal for Show Way, The Caldecott Medal for Come On Home Soon, and 2 National Book Awards.

"I'll finally read a book that I'll enjoy." -- anonymous 7th grade student which only checked out 3 books over the last 2 years. In the 3 weeks prior to the visit, the same student read 3 of Jacqueline Woodson's books.

  
   
Updated by:

AH 3/21/07

holtzac@vvsd.org

 		  
The covers pictured in the letters for BMS are the covers of several of Jacqueline Woodson's books. Students pictured in the letters are from the day of Ms. Woodson's visit.  Jacqueline Woodson's visit was made possible by the support of Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville and Downers Grove. Please thank our friends at Anderson's for their continued support.