In April, the Shenandoah Valley Reading Council held its Young Authors’ Celebration at Bridgewater College. Each year, the SVRC brings a children’s author to campus, and students from all the local elementary schools are invited to hear a presentation by the author. Afterwards, they can meet the author at a book signing.

This year’s author was Ginjer L. Clarke. Ginjer Clarke writes fun, fact-filled nonfiction beginning readers about weird, wonderful animals. Ginjer’s books have sold a combined total of almost 3 million copies worldwide. Her books Freak Out! and Gross Out! were on Publisher’s Weekly’s 2006 and 2007 lists of top 100 best-selling children’s books. I particularly like Ginjer’s books because they appeal to both boys and girls. It is often much harder to engage young male readers, but her non-fiction books about interesting animals hook them and keep them reading!

As the co-director of the event, I organize the BC visit, including booking the location, overseeing the book signing, and organizing volunteers for the evening. I want to extend a big thanks to all of the ladies from my literacy classes that helped to make the evening a success!