I just wanted to share with all of you a wonderful experience that we had last week
as a part of the Virginia Festival of the Book. We have a very diverse student
body and I wanted to find a speaker who would appeal to as many students as
possible.
More than half of our students have read at least one book from the Bluford series
and they particularly appeal to our very reluctant readers so I called Townsend
Press and ended up having Gerald Purnell (who illustrated the series' covers) come
as our speaker.
He met first with our year-long art class and then presented for two assemblies
(close to 600 students total). All of our teachers agreed- we have never seen our
students that rapt and attentive in an assembly before!
He spoke about being an artist, the collaboration and revision process, education
and following your passion. He came across as genuine and enthusiastic (with
advice that could have sounded preachy). He brought many examples of cover art
from the first conceptual sketches to the final version as well as images from pop
culture that he uses for inspiration (rappers, advertizing, etc...). The Bluford
readers had a connection because of the books, but all students were drawn in by
the "behind the scenes" look at the collaborative process that goes on between
author, illustrator, editors and art directors.
If you're planning for next year's author/illustrator visits and have this series
in your school, Purnell would be a good choice since his presentation focuses on
the art and the process rather than any one story.
I'd be happy to fill in details if you're interested.
Genevieve
p.s. yes, I know it's a coincinence that our school is Buford Middle and the series
is Bluford High.
Genevieve Gallagher
Librarian
Buford Middle School
Charlottesville, VA
gallagg1@ccs.k12.va.us
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