Author Web Pages

This month we provide links to some of the many author Web sites that you and your students can use for research, author study, book club ideas, or just plain fun.

Avi’s Home Page includes a biography and the author’s brief descriptions of each of his books. A short feature for teachers provides Avi's Five Secrets to Good Writing.

Jan Brett provides loads of resources for teachers, librarians and children. The next best thing to an author visit, this page includes a biography, stories about writing and illustrating her books, audio and video clips of the author, and cross-curricular lesson ideas. She also provides online activities and many printable pages, such as an alphabet for classroom bulletin boards, bookmarks, paper dolls, masks, and many other art projects, as well as videos on how to draw different animals.

Judy Blume on the Web features tips on writing and a section on book censorship in schools, as well biographical information, podcasts, and Judy’s blog.  A kids’ section contains author and book information that would be useful for author study projects.

The official Eric Carle Web site includes a biography of the author and answers to common questions the author receives, as well as a bulletin board where teachers and parents can share ideas for using Carle’s books. Art teachers and students will enjoy the video and photo gallery with demonstrations of some of Carl’s techniques.

Sharon Creech offers information about herself and her books on this friendly Web site, which includes an explanation of the inspiration for each of her books. The Teach Creech section offers a teacher’s guide for author study and discussion guides for some of her books.

Tony and Holly Di Terlizzi’s Spiderwick Web site is creepy and loaded with information, games, and activities for fans and lesson ideas for teachers, as well as video clips and an art gallery.

Mem Fox's Web site provides information on the author and the stories behind her books. You can also hear Mem reading a few of her best-known books aloud, or read tips for writing picture books.

Jean Craighead George’s Web site includes advice for students on learning to write stories, as well as a biography, complete list of books, and audio and video clips of the author.

James Gurney’s Dinotopia site includes an interview with the author, downloadable puzzles, and lots of information for Dinotopia fans. For artists there are step-by-step slide shows of some of his work.

Kevin Henkes' site includes information on the author and his picture books and novels. Games, quizzes and recipes for young fans of Henkes’ mouse books are also available.

Anna Grossnickle Hines has a home page that includes a biography, idea sharing for teachers, quilting lesson ideas, coloring pages, and audio files of the author reading some of her books.

Brian Jacques’ Web site provides information on the author and all of his Redwall Abbey books.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka gives us JJK's workshop, where you will find photographs, fun biographies, video book trailers, and examples of the author/illustrator's childhood art to encourage young illustrators.

Explore the Treasures of Peter Lourie features information about Lourie's books as well as audio, video and many photographs from some of his travel adventure books. The Teacher section also includes an article on the process of adventure writing, and exercises on writing and journaling.

Lois Lowry’s Web site includes video interviews and a blog, as well as information about the author and all of her books.

Wendy Mass’s Web site has information about the author and her books, and even features student-made trailers for some of her books - a great idea for a project!

Christopher Paolini’s Web site features a map of Alagaësia, an Alagaësia Adventure Game, screensavers, pronunciation guide, audio clips of the author reading his books, and more.

Dav Pilkey’s Web Site O’ Fun contains information on the creation, development, and inspirations for each of his books. Lots of interactive activities like flip books, puzzles and painting pages for kids are featured.

Patricia Pollacco’s Web site includes a biography of the author with a tour of her studio and description of the writing and publishing process. Interactive book descriptions, printable bookmarks, and activity ideas for teachers also are featured.

J.K. Rowling's site is, of course, mysterious and fun...

You never know what you might find on John Scieszka Worldwide, but you’ll have a lot of fun!

Seussville from Random House offers interactive activities for young children featuring Dr. Seuss characters.

Cynthia Leitich Smith provides children's and young adult literature resources which include annotated bibliographies, author/illustrator interviews, and encouragement for writers as well as discussion guides for her books.

Lemony Snicket’s Web site includes Vile Videos, Dire Diversions and information about the Afflicted Author and his Bothersome Books.

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books are the focus of this site from Harper-Collins. The site features information on the author and characters, as well as quizzes, games, recipes and more. A teachers’ section contains discussion questions, teaching units, event guides, and more.

The Wisconsin Historical Society website features more than a dozen letters written by relatives of Laura Ingalls Wilder. The original handwritten documents are presented in color, accompanied by typed transcriptions. A lesson plan for elementary teachers is also provided.

Young students will love Mo Willems' site Pigeon Presents. Play games, learn more about pigeon, knuffle bunny, Leonardo and other characters, and dress the naked mole rat! Don't miss the "grownup stuff" section with videos about Mo and teacher guides.

Students and teachers will find information about Jacqueline Woodson and her books for children and young adults on her Web site.

Jane Yolen’s site features information for children, teachers and writers.

The Charlotte Zolotow Web site is a wonderful illustrated guide to Zolotow’s life and books. Features include a biography and many family photos, answers to children’s FAQs, teacher resources, and a place for students to submit reviews of Zolotow’s books.

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