Author+websites

=**Author websites**=


 * The Internet is full of some very useful and informative tools on podcasts that sit there just for the asking.**
 * Take some time to check them out and share them here with your colleagues.**
 * ===**Please follow the format shown below:**===
 * **Title or Name of site:**
 * **Url in full (not shortened):**
 * **Full description of what to expect:**

**An example.....** Title: Url: Description:

Site: **Douglas Adams.com** URL: []

Description: This is the official website for Adams, the sci-fi writer and satirist, and definitely a site for hard-core sci-fi fans interested in an antiquated site dating back to the beginning days of the Internet in the early 1990s. It is peppered with Douglas Adams’s humor, but since his demise in 2001 from a sudden heart attack, the site is mainly maintained by TDV, the Digital Village, “a digital media and communications company, founded in 1994 to take advantage of the convergence of digital media to create online communities around our entertainment and information brands.” I features information about Adams’s collected works, tributes to him and his humor, a forum to discuss sci-fi, current projects, and general fan opinions, and lastly lots of biographical info and news under the heading “DNA” for Douglas Noel Adams. Again, just a reminder, it is in the style of an old “frame site” from early 1990s and one has to be a bit patient, but if you’re a true satirist and Adams’s fan you will love it. One special perk is also the information about the H2G2 interactive game.

Site: **Laurie Halse Anderson:** Mad Woman In the Forest URL: [] Description: I can’t say enough how useful Anderson’s site is. First, there are the typical sections for bio info, books, students, blog, teachers, and a book club. But this isn’t even scratching the surface. The bio section on Laurie houses a short bio, long bio, writing and life FAQs, honors, writing tips, and more. The student section includes different areas for elementary, middle, high school and college students. Laurie’s blog is terrific – it’s authentic, piece-meal, and rambles all over the place about her books, writing, and everyday life. The video section contains interviews about her and some book readings. The teachers’ section is under development, but there will be materials, a forum to submit opinions and exchange ideas, and a phenomenal page on censorship and how to respond with resources from the ALA, and an area on writing, research, and historic background tips, which is under development as well. Last but not least is a super section on SKYPE visits – teachers can set up actual Skype visits with Laurie hales Anderson. Oh, one more thing, she is challenging readers – kids and adults – to write 15 minutes a day for the whole month, and she promises to blog every step of the way. A winner of a site and one I will definitely us in my classroom.

Site: **Lynne Reid Banks** URL: [] Description: A useful addition to Banks’s site is how she divides the books into three sections: younger readers, older readers, and adults. Also, besides the biography part of the site, she also has a downloadable play called “The Hare with the Golden Tail.” Banks’s interview is fascinating, another British author, born in 1929, she has lived through so many interesting times in the world, and her list of books is impressive, including one of my new favorites, “The Indian in the Cupboard.” Readers may find it interesting that her experience being Jewish in Europe and living through WWII inspired Banks and family to live on a kibbutz in Israel for a while, and also influenced her writing. I’m finding out I’m drawn to British authors, I guess – smile.

Site: **Elizabeth Berg** URL: [] Description: Elizabeth Berg’s site offers readers a small glimpse into Elizabeth’s world. In addition to an autobiography, information on all of her books, and a list of appearances, there are sections of Elizabeth’s personal favorites. These favorites include recipes, photos, and a personal endorsement of a Wisconsin retreat house. Her blog is recently updated. Kids may like listening to the podcast.

Site: **Judy Blume on the Web** URL: [] Description: Her official website with her biography, books, other information and a section for kids to explore.

Site: **The Official Eric Carle Website** URL: [] Description: Really informative website about Eric Carle. He shares news, FAQ's, a list of books and links where to get products, helpful resources. My favorite is the photo and video gallery where he shares things like how he makes his art etc.

Site: **Beverly Cleary**

www.BeverlyCleary.com Description: This site contains information about the author Beverly, the books she has written. It also contains information about the characters in her books as well as fun games and the ability to email the author.

Site: **Sharon Creech** URL: [] DESCRIPTION: This website introduces you to Sharon Creech, a wonderful athor who has written a wide variety of works for students of many ages. Her picture books and novels are very popular with children today. Using drop down menus, this website provides you with reviews on her literary works. Questions to the author can be submitted through her website. Teachers will find this site useful as it provides teacher guides to some of her publications.

Site: **Roald Dahl** URL: [] Description: This website promotes the works of Roald Dahl, a much loved children's book author. Through this site, Dahl gives short descriptions of his books that will get students interested in the storyline. He also has a section for games. Within this section there is a comprehensive quiz that lets you know if you are a Dahl expert. This part of the site will definitely get students excited to read all of his works, because they have to be familiar with all of his books to pass the test. There is also a section called biography, where you listen to an interview, see his sketches, read his biography and even submit a question.

Site: **Tomie DePaola** URL: [] DESCRIPTION: Tomie DePaola is an amazing children’s author and illustrated. He has published and illustrated over 200 children’s books. His website introduces you to Tomie and his beginnings as an author and illustrator. The site gives you access to Tomie’s art work. Even a monthly calendar is available with some of Tomie’s popular artwork. The website spotlights many of Tomie’s books. For children, parents, and teachers, the site gives you access to coloring pages for download.

Site: **Patricia Reilly Giff** URL: [] Description: A simple site, looks to be set up by Random House, but still worthwhile for lots of reasons. It’s easy to navigate through books, teacher resources, news & updates, and about the author. I never knew there were teacher resources for Hollis Woods and other of her books – good find.

Site: **Dan Gutman,** Children's Book Author URL: [] Description: This site is a very simple, colorful page that covers information about Gutman, his books, how to invite him for school visits, links to his Facebook and Twitter sites, and my all-time favorite button on the site: "Nothing to Do With Dan" (an appeal to kids to help save the environment and practical tips about how to do so, including a list of fabulous resources.)

Site: **Kevin Henkes** URL: [] Description: This site gives you biography information on Kevin Henkes, information on each of his books, fun activities for children, and trivia questions.

Site: **Brian Jacques:** The Official Website URL: [] Description: On the surface it appears a simple site with information about his books, news, tour schedule, etc. But if readers follow the links button or scroll down the page, we’ll find The Redwall Readers Club, quizzes, games, and more. There is also Snowfur’s Redwall encyclopedia and a Redwall history in Triss.

Site: **June B. Jones** URL: [] DESCRIPTION: This author website is from one of my favorite children’s authors, Junie B. Jones. The website offers fun activities such as coloring pages, scavenger hunts, puzzles, and Tic Tac Toad. There is even a place for children to send the author, Barbara Park, a question. This website also reviews all of Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones series.

HISTORYSite: **A Book in Time** URL: [] DESCRIPTION: This website provides a list of books by historical time periods. After the user picks a general period of time, the they can refine their search to a more specific period such as 1700’s to 1770’s to individual book titles.

Site: **Lois Lowry** - Author URL: [] Description: A cartoon version of Lois Lowry greets you as you open the site. Her books are listed alphabetically by series with a short plot description. Click on the book title for a more thorough description. Also included are a biography and frequently asked questions. For the die-hard fan, Lowry’s schedule is listed as well as contact information. She’ll be at UPENN in October 2010!

Site: **Linda Sue Park** URL: [] Description: This site is so much fun. The art on the home page is terrific and will grab kids eyes with the black background and rainbow-colored Asian design. In addition to the typical books, events, and bio information, Park includes tips of reading, writing, and a trivia quiz page (FUN!), as well as lots of links and a great blog.

Site: **Patricia Polacco** URL: [|www.patriciapolacco.com] Description: This website is great for students, parents and teachers! It includes a short biography of the author, her contact information and a list of all the books she has written. The section for kids includes coloring pages, puzzles, bookmarks and posters.

Site:The Official **Phillip Pullman** Website URL: [] Description: This website is very clear and easy to read. On it readers can find information about Pullman's books, view his illustrations, check out what people are asking in the Q&A section. There is a forum to discuss any thoughts readers have with other visitors. The shop contains all the books available. There are also news about stage and theater productions of "Dark Materials" as well as interviews with the author and information about his latest works.

Site: **Ann Rinaldi** URL: [] This site includes a biography, list of books written by her (quite numerous), reviews of some of the books, and FAQ's. Her biography includes some interesting quotes.

Site: **Rick Riordan** URL: [] Description: This website is a view into the world of the one of the best selling children’s authors to date. His books have won numerous awards and accolades. In addition, he has a section in his website about books that he suggests that students should read while they are waiting for the next installment of his series.

Site: **J.K. Rowling Official Site** – Harry Potter and More URL: [] Description: This is a great kid friendly site that opens to show a picture of a messy desk. As you move the mouse cursor over the items on the desk, different opportunities arise about the author. The options include biography, rumors, news, ‘everything you might want to know’, and a scrapbook. Make sure to click on the eraser, binder clip, calculator, note card, brush, and glasses for extra surprises!

Site: **Judith Byron Schachner** URL: [] Description: Has her biography and personal info as well as links to pages about all her books. The book pages are really fun and interactive.

Site: **Science Fiction and Young Adult Literature** [|URL:http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/lit_resources/favorites/by_genre/science_fic.html] DESCRIPTION: This is a rich website which offers a listing of current science fiction literature for children and young adults. Under each title, this site offers a brief summary of the novel. Additionally, the site offers a listing of other popular science fiction authors. After clicking on an other of interest, it will take you to that writer’s site. Finally, on the left side of the home page, there is a link that takes you to other favorite reads by age category then by genre.

Site: **Science News for Kids** URL: [] DESCRIPTION: This website offers a plethora of information for the science fiction classroom. Teacher resources included cross curricular activities are included in this site. The site details the benefits of science fiction in the classroom. The site spotlights some popular science fiction books and supports the teacher with recommended activities.

Site: **Shel Silverstein** URL: [] Description: Shel Silverstein’s websites includes ideas and resources for teachers to use in the classroom. There are lesson plans and printable activities. There are also games and puzzles for students to play with on their own time.

Site**: Francesca Simon** Online URL: [] Description: I first learned of Simon through my British friends, who introduced me to her Horrid Henry books. (They are all about an aggressive, impulsive, willful boy, the despair of his well-meaning, but biased parents. She was also interested in writing about sibling rivalry, and families where the parents decide that one child is “good” and the other “bad".) What I didn't know was that she is American born from St. Louis and after attending Oxford for medieval studies, hung it all up to write children's books. Her site is fun, easy to understand, and covers: Horrid Henry, Other Books, Interviews, Journalism, and News & Events. There is also Francesca;s bio and a fun photo gallery.

Site**: Seuessville.com** URL: [] Description: This website offers games, book descriptions, activities, and events. It also has a quote maker, story maker, and many other fun activities for students. Suessville.com will surely get students excited about reading through the promotion of Read Across America Day.

Site: **Suzanne Fisher Staples** URL: [] Description: Wow, a clean, simple site, but one that invited me in immediately with her opening quote: “I’ve been a writer most of my life. I started my career as a newspaper reporter. But what I love most is writing stories about people’s lives. I write to find out what will happen, I write to find out what I think about the world and how I fit into it. Most of my books are about places where I’ve lived and worked as a reporter: India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan! Welcome to my website!” From here, readers can look at images and descriptions of her books, an interview with the author, a Q&A, links, and a bio. The highlights is Staples’s Q&A – kids ask questions about what it is like to live in Afghanistan and other parts of Near East Asia, what is true, all about Afghan and Indian culture, in-depth questions about the characters and the many themes of the books. Wow, if this is the reaction from students who read her books, Staples hit a home run.

Site: **www.tomie.com** URL: [|http://www.tomie.com] Description: Tomie dePaola’s official website gives background info about the author himself as well as how some of his most famous characters came to life. He includes information for children on how he begins to write his stories (students might be interested to see that he and his editor brainstorm together just like they do in class) and how he illustrates his books.