Introduction

An author study is a great way to introduce your students to a variety of authors and the books they have written. Begin with some familiar authors. Authors of books you have read to your class. Then choose authors your students have never heard about.

Many times in the classroom, the focus is on the content of the book but not the author who wrote it. However, author studies can be used as a way to introduce writing as a profession to students. It can also be a way for all students to see how writing is used in everyday life!

Beginning Your Author Study

At the beginning of your author study, as a class, generate author study questions. These author study questions can be used to guide your research with students in finding out information about the author.

Author studies allow students to gain information about the author beyond what is written on the inside cover of the book. Behind the scenes information is significant for students to see the progression of the author’s writing from brainstorming to publishing. It’s also important for students to see the time it takes to create something. Students need to know that things don’t just happen instantly.

Read on to learn more about 5 Tips For Your Next Author Study!

Author Study Tips…

First, do author studies during Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, or anytime! Take time to recognize authors of different backgrounds with different perspectives. Focus on an author for a week or two to highlight a variety of talented people. Not only will students be introduced to diverse writers, but they can also see themselves being represented.

Next, bring in a collection of books written by the author you are studying. Visit your local library to borrow books. Many libraries have educators’ library cards which enable you to use them for your classroom so you don’t have to use your personal library card. Some libraries have teacher collections where librarians will gather specific books for you.

Hopefully, your library has teacher collections, I live in a city where our local library has teacher collections! I am grateful for this service! With teacher collections, I just let the librarians know what types of books or authors I would like in the collection. They gather the books in a two-week period. And when they are finished, I have a collection of up to 30 titles to borrow and use in my classroom!

During The Middle Of Your Author Study

Then, do book talks about the author’s books throughout the time your class is studying the author.

What is a book talk? During a book talk, you introduce a book to your class to get them excited to read more about it. You can introduce the title, tell a little bit about the book, and get them excited and interested in reading the book. Be sure not to give away too much detail about the book or spoil any major events. I know when I do a book talk I think of it as a commercial, a short advertisement. I want to get students interested in the book in about 2 minutes or less.

Now, you can use your class-generated author study questions! Create questions with your class about the author you are studying. This helps you to involve students in research. Students will get answers to their questions about the author they are studying.

 Visit the author’s website and do a quick Google search ahead of time to see what questions can be answered. Do this before involving your students. Each author’s personal website will vary and you want to know ahead of time what you are sharing with students. While some authors’ websites have plenty of information in a kid-friendly format. Some websites are more geared toward adult readers. Remember what you find available in your search, will help guide your author study.

 Some features I like to highlight from the author’s website are the author’s picture, the books they have written, and any interesting information or website features.

About The Author Page

Don’t forget about the “About The Author’s Page”, in the book or website. This is great for answering basic questions. 

Here are some example author study questions…

When and where was the author born?

Where did the author grow up?

Did the author enjoy writing as a child?

Did the author have anything that inspired them to start writing?

When did they first start writing?

What tools did the author use to write when they first started?

Which schools did the author attend?

What does the writing process look like for the author?

What does a typical day of writing look like for the author?

How many books have they written?

Are there any new books in the works?

At The End Of Your Author Study

Lastly, check the author’s website to see if they do video conferencing or school visits. If those are not an option see if the author has a mailing address for correspondence and guide students into letter writing. Or maybe show a video with the author speaking or being interviewed. Many author websites have videos about themselves discussing their work. These would be great culminating activity ideas for the end of your author study!

Conclusion

Doing an author study in the classroom is an excellent way for students to learn about different authors. Author studies help expose students to new books while introducing them to the writing profession. Author studies can last as long as you want them to in your classroom. I recommend a week or two depending on how many books the author has written. Plus keep in mind how much information you were able to find about the author you are studying.

5 Tips For Your Next Author Study

(1) First, do an author study during a set time to recognize a variety of people.

(2) Next, bring in a collection of books from the author you are studying.

(3) Then, do book talks to introduce the author’s books.

(4) Generate questions to ask about the author as a class. 

(5) Lastly, schedule a video conference, school visit, write a letter, or watch an interview of the author.