In Conversation with Kathryn Erskine
I have been deeply engaged with the in-depth reading and study of Young Adult Literature since the fall of 2002 when I began graduate work at The University of Georgia. I was tasked with teaching the YA Literature section of the preservice teacher's course work. It was exciting and refreshing turn from teaching AP literature. In AP classes I often had to bribe students into reading books that were wonderful, but not always books they were drifting towards on there own.
Teaching YA books to preservice teachers was easy. After a few pages, they were engaged in the texts and many of them were discovering the joy of reading that had been misplaced for many years. In fact many of them, confessed to not reading any books during high school. Remember, these are English majors who are planning to become English teachers, yet they weren't enjoying many of there own reading experiences.
So, the only thing I had to do was keep reading and discovering YA author after YA author who have books that engaged readers.
Along the way I discovered Kathryn Erskine. Wow! I love her work and, even more importantly, Kathryn is a wonderful person. I have enjoyed getting to know her and all of the books she has written. I hope you enjoy the conversation.
Teaching YA books to preservice teachers was easy. After a few pages, they were engaged in the texts and many of them were discovering the joy of reading that had been misplaced for many years. In fact many of them, confessed to not reading any books during high school. Remember, these are English majors who are planning to become English teachers, yet they weren't enjoying many of there own reading experiences.
So, the only thing I had to do was keep reading and discovering YA author after YA author who have books that engaged readers.
Along the way I discovered Kathryn Erskine. Wow! I love her work and, even more importantly, Kathryn is a wonderful person. I have enjoyed getting to know her and all of the books she has written. I hope you enjoy the conversation.
Kathryn's Books
Isn't it time you get to know some of Kathryn's books just a little bit better?