Kwame Alexander and Jason Reynolds lead virtual author event to engage students in literature

Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander and Jason Reynolds, two of the most celebrated figures in children's literature, are joining forces for a live virtual author event on October 29th, marking the start of the 2024-25 Author Study series in the USA. 

The event, organised by Big Sea Education, will engage students across the United States in a unique opportunity to interact with these award-winning authors.

Alexander, an Emmy Award-winning producer and the creator of the Author Study series, will read from his latest middle-grade novel Black Star, which was published on September 24th. 

Reynolds, known for his dynamic storytelling in young adult literature, will feature his upcoming novel 24 Seconds From Now, which is set to release on October 8th. 

Both authors are recognised for their ability to capture the attention of young readers, with accolades including the Newbery Medal for Alexander's The Crossover and the Carnegie Medal for Reynolds' Look Both Ways.

Bringing literature to life

Author Study, a virtual event series spearheaded by Alexander, brings students face-to-face with some of the most influential authors of contemporary children's literature. The programme is designed to reignite a passion for reading and writing among young people, particularly as many students begin to lose interest in reading for pleasure during their middle and high school years. 

"I love sharing my joy for writing and reading with students. I have visited more than 2,000 schools around the globe," said Alexander. "Yet I want to reach even more kids! Author Study allows me to do that in a way that's easy and affordable for more educators, librarians, and schools."

The upcoming event on October 29th will feature both Alexander and Reynolds as they discuss their new works and offer insights into their writing process. Students will have the chance to ask questions, hear personal stories, and receive motivation for their own creative pursuits.

Expanding access to literary engagement

The Author Study series is designed to make literary engagement more accessible to schools and educators across the country. The virtual format allows for wider participation, offering a cost-effective solution for schools that may not have the resources to host in-person author visits.

Author Study also serves as a response to a challenge many educators face: keeping students engaged in reading during the middle and high school years. As students grow older, their enthusiasm for reading can wane, but Author Study aims to reverse this trend by showcasing authors who write relevant, compelling stories for young people today.

To register and learn more about the upcoming events in this season of Author Study, educators can visit: AuthorStudy.com.