Bestselling Author Gordon Korman Visits Severn School for Middle School Author Series

Korman is the bestselling author of more than eighty books for children and young adults, as well as a dynamic speaker and writing workshop leader. He wrote his first book when he was just 12 years old and was a published author by the age of 14. In all, Korman has published more than 100 titles. 

 

In preparation for Korman’s visit, every Middle School student had the same English assignment, to be completed during the first quarter – to read the Korman book of their choice, in the format of their choice: print, eBook, or audiobook. 

 

Korman’s visit to Severn kicked off with a presentation to the entire Middle School. Students learned where he got the ideas for many of his books, his research and writing process, and how he started writing when he was in middle school — the age Severn students are now. Many students brought their own copies of his books for him to sign, which he spent several minutes doing after the presentation. Korman took the time to ask each student their name and wrote a personalized signature for every student. 

 

For those budding Middle School writers, one of the highlights of the day was working directly with Korman during the small group writing sessions that followed his schoolwide presentation. Korman prompted students to write a short action scene, and then read it aloud to the group. Topics ranged from getting zapped into a video game, climbing out of a window, and even a magical mudslide. He listened intently to each story, offered constructive tips for them to use when writing, and praised the vivid storytelling from each student. He also highlighted several writing techniques that our students used when writing their scenes that he himself uses when writing his books. 

 

The Middle School Author Series supports budding authors by sponsoring special guest visitors, writers' workshops, community coffee houses, and the student publication, The Admiral's Pen. These experiences give middle school students an authentic opportunity to confidently celebrate their literary voices and those of their peers. Past programs have included visits and workshops with award-winning authors Jason Reynolds and Taylor Mali.