Author Shares Her Story with Interested Students

Nov. 30, 2011 ~ You can judge a book by its cover, especially in the case of "Moon Over Manifest," the first novel by Kansas author Clare Vanderpool. It has a shiny 2011 Newbery Medal on the cover.

Vanderpool visited middle and high school students to talk about the writing and publishing process, and autograph the book. "Moon Over Manifest" is widely known among students and teachers because it has earned various awards including the Midwest Booksellers Choice Award for children's literature. It is the story of a girl named Abilene who relocates a lot during the Depression. She ends up in Manifest, a small town based on the author's research in Frontenac, Kan.

"Students are interested in this book because of the Kansas connections as well as the intriguing story," Chisholm Trail Middle School Library Media Specialist Anita Ross said. "My hope is that students who have creative writing aspirations will see that their dreams need to be pursued."

Many of the students who heard Vanderpool's presentations have participated in Battle of the Book events and are interested in becoming writers. Vanderpool shared what she believes are the keys to good writing: read, write, imagine, observe, play, and find your own voice.

She answered many questions from the audience.

• If you weren't an author, who would you be? "I'd be exactly who I am, a mom and wife."
• How many more books do you want to write? "As many as I have good stories for."

In addition to Vanderpool's visit, the district arranges author visits to seven to 10 elementary schools each year, said Library Media/Instructional Technology Coordinator Donna Roper.

	Kansas author Clare Vanderpool’s presentation to students included some tips for becoming a good writer: read, write, imagine, observe and play.
	Jade Littleton of Pioneer Trail Middle School talked with the author before having a copy of the book signed. In the background is a poster depicting the cover of “Moon Over Manifest.”
	J.J. Bishop of Mission Trail Middle School waits while author Clare Vanderpool autographs her book, “Moon Over Manifest.”   Photos by Marlene Colgan