#1 New York Times Best-Selling Author Visits Graland
On Wednesday, September 28, one of Graland's very favorite authors, Katherine Applegate, came to visit with students in Grades 3-6. Ms. Applegate is a Newbery Medal winner, a #1 New York Times best-selling author, and the writer of several well-known children's books, including "The One and Only Ivan" and "Wishtree."
During her visit, students got to hear about Ms. Applegate's newest work, "Odder," which is a touching and true story inspired by a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers. Throughout her presentation, students learned about Ms. Applegate's research process, viewed video clips of the aquarium's work with otters in Monterey Bay, asked questions, and heard her best writing tips for aspiring authors.
Following Ms. Applegate's visit, Lead Librarian Ashleigh Stepanian shared, "Books come to life when you have the opportunity to meet the writer behind them! I have very fond memories of author visits from my elementary and middle school days, and I think it's a meaningful experience for every student. It's a fantastic opportunity for students to see themselves as readers and writers and to be inspired to perhaps write a book of their own someday! I love providing opportunities for Graland students to meet a variety of authors and to participate in the magic of storytelling!"
This year, the Graland library is looking forward to hosting several more authors! Stay tuned for more in-person visits during the 2022-23 school year.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
