There’s something special about meeting the author of a favorite book – seeing the person behind the
words can make readers appreciate those words even more.
Library media specialist Patti Rish is hoping her Bowling Green Middle School students will get that
moment from young adult author Sharon Draper.
Draper will stop by the BGMS media center Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. after a 1 p.m. lecture at Bowling Green
State University’s Bowen-Thompson Student Union in room 201.
The middle school visit is open to students only, while the public is invited to the university lecture.
"It’s really great when kids get to meet real authors," said Rish. "They really inspire
the kids."
The former teacher-turned writer will answer readers’ questions during the school’s Pizza & Pages
book club meeting.
Her New York Times bestselling books like "Tears of a Tiger" and "The Battle of
Jericho" explore issues like teen suicide, child abuse, family and love.
The Wood County District Public Library partnered with BGMS and BGSU’s College of Education and Human
Development to arrange Draper’s visit.
"So often, we read the finished, edited and crafted story that’s published," said Maria Simon,
library youth services coordinator. "It’s exciting to meet an accomplished writer who can talk
about how hard and worthwhile it is to write."
Draper will discuss both her process as a writer and the issues presented in her books.
Because of her long career with children, Simon is looking forward to seeing students react to having a
famous author in their midst.
"She’s a great speaker and a really nice person," Simon said. "The library is really proud
to be able to partner with the schools and bring this author here. It’s a privilege for us."
The library and the BGMS media center have multiple copies of Draper’s books and both librarians
encouraged readers to check them out before Draper arrives.
"Her books are very real, very gritty," Simon said. "She’s appealing to all kinds of
readers."
And her appeal isn’t just for middle school readers. As a former Ohio Teacher of the Year, Draper spent
many years in classrooms before settling down in Cincinnati.
Mary Heather Munger, College of Education coordinator, is hoping Draper’s "Teaching from the
Heart" university lecture will remind college students why their education major is so important.
"This is a time for teachers under scrutiny and pressure to walk away uplifted," Munger said.
"It can help them realize what an impact they have on a child’s life."
The public can preregister for the free lecture at www.bgsu.edu.
