January 23, 2015
“I learned to dream through reading, learned to create dreams through writing, and learned to develop dreamers through teaching. I shall always be a dreamer.” These words are from Sharon Draper, an author who visited 3rd– 6th graders this week. Ms. Draper is a professional educator as well as an accomplished writer. She has been honored as the National Teacher of the Year, is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Award, and is a New York Times bestselling author of books for teens and younger readers.
Ms. Draper talked with students about how she came to be a writer, and she explained some of the ideas and inspiration behind several of her novels. She recently released Stella by Starlight, based on her grandmother’s journals, which is set in 1932 in North Carolina. Ms. Draper said she realizes that often kids might not love history, but it is her desire to make them care about the characters.
Ms. Draper delivered a passionate, heartfelt, and interactive talk with the students. She also made herself available to answer questions and autograph her book. Click here to learn more about Sharon Draper.
Thank you to Amie Tedeschi and Flyleaf Books for making this special visit possible! Thanks also to 6thgraders from Durham Nativity School for visiting and spending the morning with Ms. Draper and TDS students.
