Academic Connections

The Writing Process: Students see each stage of the process of creating a novel including idea journaling, drafting, revision, editing, galleys, and finished novel to emhasize the process approach to writing.

 "I really enjoyed [A. LaFaye] . .  . I learned it takes time to be good at writing books." —Michigan student

Curriculum Connections: The emphasis on historical fiction explores the importance of reasearch and touches on many topics relevant to social studies standards (research methods, frontier life, Reconstruction period). The discussion of the writing process and elements of fiction in the readings touches on relevant language arts standards (theme, symbolism, figurative language). Common questions about the economics of being a writer also address math standards (percentages, multiplication, real life applications).

"I learned to so much about history that I never knew."  — California Student

Creative Writing:  Kids learn a lot about the art of writing from how to generate ideas to the craft of creating ficitonal worlds and the characters who inhabit them.  Kids often comment that hearing A. LaFaye speak inspired them to write even if they "never liked writing before."

"[A. LaFaye] is a great role model for me" as a writer.  — Wisconsin student

Teaching Topics: In addition to being an author, A. LaFaye is a professor of children's literature and creative writing who has experience training teachers, librarians, and parents on multiple topics. She is available to give in-service training on the following topics: teaching creative writing, family literacy, historical literacy, cultural literacy, reading circles, and picture book semiotics (the hidden signs in picture books that tell us how kids read pictures).

"When Alexandria LaFaye speaks, people listen. With wit and charm, she teaches young and old."  —Carol Jago, UCLA