A few weeks ago I spoke with author M.T. Anderson to create an original Book Reading and an Author Name Pronunciation. While speaking with M.T., I realized something simple yet powerful—writers are inventors! Authors are idea people, and because of this it is delightful to learn the stories behind their stories, to discover how their imaginings begin, and to understand their drive to invent characters and plot, page after page.
In his Book Reading from The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: Volume One, The Pox Party, M.T. explains his impetus for writing this book brimming with mystery and history. He set out to explain history in an unfamiliar way, so readers could peek into the past without the lens of hindsight. What a fresh approach to exploring U.S. history! This tactic reminds us that people living and making choices during the time of the American Revolution, for example, did not know how things would unfold for their country and future.
Educators are undoubtedly idea people too, constantly innovating and adapting their strategies to inspire students and support learning. Today, use TeachingBooks to consult with authors, fellow idea people and inventors, who, through the power of the Internet and multimedia resources can share with you the stories behind their stories.
May they spark and inspire in you brand new ways to foster learning and students’ connections with books and curricula.
Posted by Danika L. Morphew-Tarbuck, MLS, Web 2.0 Content Producer
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