It would be the most exciting day of the whole school year! A real author was coming to talk at Eddie's school. To get ready for the day, Eddie and his third-grade classmates had been reading, reading, reading. In every one of the author's books, Eddie had found a part that seemed just for him. "How does the author do that?" he asked his teacher. "That's a great question," the teacher said. "You'll have to ask the author." Eddie wondered if the stories he wrote could ever be like a real author's At last the day comes. Eddie's class files into the gym, and there is the author, testing the microphone. The assembly period whizzes by while the author talks. Will Eddie have a chance to ask his important question when she finishes? Louise Borden visits many schools, and her own experiences provide a rich background for this delightful story of a small boy and what happens when he meets a real author. Just-right illustrations in full color enrich a book that will speak directly to young readers everywhere. K-Gr 4-All of the kids in Riverside Elementary School are excited about Tuesday, October 10th because that is the day when a real author is coming. Nobody is more excited than Eddie Lewis, whose teacher has done an excellent job of preparing her third graders for the visit. Mrs. Morrow "loved how real authors made the words flow, and how the words sounded just right, and went with pictures in their own way." Eddie thinks about what he wants to ask the guest and finally decides on: "How do you write books that have parts meant for me?" Anticipation builds, the big day arrives, the author speaks and asks for questions, but time runs out before Eddie gets his turn. The problem is resolved, however, when the guest gives him special attention and responds to him: "Eddie, if you write about parts of yourself, I bet your reader will have some of those parts, too." Borden draws upon her vast experience as a visiting author to create a story that is both enjoyable to read but also gently instructive about how to prepare for such a visit. Gustavson's watercolor illustrations capture the boy's emotions well and offer varied perspectives. The double-page spread of individual children asking their questions is particularly well done. Whether or not a school is able to sponsor a visiting author, this book conveys the value of those who write for children.-Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Gr. 2-4. The title says it all. Third-grader Eddie and the rest of the school are expecting a visit from an author, Ms. Morrow, and Eddie has a special question he is anxious to ask: "How do you write books that have parts meant for me?" Ms. Morrow talks about what it is like to be a writer, and she answers all sorts of questions: How old are you? Where do you get your ideas? But to his great disappointment, Eddie doesn't get called on. Later, clutching his question, Eddie almost bumps into Ms. Morrow, who has recognized him from the audience and knows he has something to ask. Ms. Morrow's thoughtful reply is this: if you write about parts of yourself, your reader will have some of those parts, too. Adam Gustavson's watercolor illustrations bring an enjoyable reality to a text that is also rooted in what kids feel. This honesty and appreciation for the power of writing will resonate even with children who don't have authors come to speak. Ilene Cooper Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved "Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books" Useful prep for an author visit. "School Library Journal" This book conveys the value of those who write for children. Louise Borden graduated from Denison University with a degree in history. She taught first graders and preschoolers and later was a part-owner of a bookstore in Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to writing children’s books, she also speaks regularly to young students about the writing process. Her books include Good Luck, Mrs. K! , which won the Christopher Medal , and The A+ Custodian . She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, and you can visit her at LouiseBorden.com. Adam Gustavson is a graduate of Rowan University and the Master of Fine Arts Illustration program at the School of Visual Arts in New York. In addition to illustrating picture books, he currently teaches at Passaic County Community College and Seton Hall University. He lives and paints in West Orange, New Jersey, with his wife, their children, several guitars, and a ferret named Gracie. Used Book in Good Condition