Author Visit Inspires Young Readers and Writers

Student Grant Recipients Total: 151 

Estimated Award Amount: $280*

Students in grades 3–6 get a firsthand look at how stories are made through an in-person author visit with local middle-grade fantasy writer Eldritch Black. Students are introduced to Black’s books, including "The Pirates of Penn Cove" and "The Book of Kindly Deaths," helping them make connections between the author’s work and their own reading and writing. During an interactive presentation, students explore how authors build imaginative worlds, develop characters, and shape meaningful stories—skills they can bring directly into their own reading and writing.

Meeting a real author helps simplify the writing process and shows students that books are created by people who love stories just like they do. With time for questions, discussion, and a book-signing, the experience turns literacy into something personal, exciting, and memorable—sparking curiosity, confidence, and a deeper love of reading and writing.

*Total award amount is an estimate. Final numbers will not be available until all receipts have been submitted and projects completed.