Dugarte, A. (2022, May 9). Visiting Author Series Banner [Digital Graphic].
In partnership with Books & Books, the locally-owned, independent bookshop, Carrollton's Visiting Author Series provides opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to build relationships with the written word. Ultimately, with each visiting author, it inspires all members of the community to pursue creative endeavors and connect lessons learned at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart with the wider world.
RUTH BEHAR
On March 1, award-winning children's author, Ruth Behar, visited the 4th and 5th Grade students. Ruth Behar read from her newest book, Across So Many Seas, and discussed the creative writing process.
←Picture 1: Ruth Behar and contest winner Paloma Torres.
→ Picture 2: Ruth Behar visiting with the 4th and 5th Grade students.
↓Picture 3: Ruth Behar in front of display curated by Melinee Fernandez, Director of Information Services, and Alexandra Dugarte, Upper School Librarian.
On Thursday, September 14th, Frozen’s Elsa and Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel, along with acclaimed writer and teacher Cara Mentzel, visited with Lower School M3 - 4th grade students. These talented sisters read from their new children’s book, Proud Mouse, and discussed the creative writing process.
←Picture 1 from left to right: Cara Mentzel, Shine Bright contest winners Sofia Moreno (2nd Grade) and Bianca Uribe (3rd Grade), and Idina Menzel.
→ Picture 2 from left to right: Cara Mentzel and Idina Menzel with their Visiting Author Series poster.
↓Picture 3: Idina Menzel (left) and Cara Mentzel (right) read from their new children's book, Proud Mouse, to (M3 - 4th grade) students.
RIDLEY PEARSON
On March 3, 2023, the New York Times, Edgar nominee author Ridley Pearson visited the Junior High students to share his new book Kingdom Keepers Inheritance: The Shimmer. The afternoon event was an added bonus to an already fun-filled day celebration of Congé!
As part of Carrollton Libraries' Visiting Author Series, seventh-grade student Maria Elisa Marini introduced Mr. Pearson to her peers and teachers. Ridley Pearson discussed the writing process and engaged the students with optical illusions and amusement park tales.
DR. MICHAEL SAMPSON
On December 14, 2022, New York Times best-selling children's author Dr. Michael Sampson visited Carrollton to promote his latest releases, Armadillo Antics &
[image right] To celebrate Dr. Michael Sampson's latest release, Armadillo Antics, the Montessori students recreated the book cover's armadillo with the help of Librarian Ms. Dugarte.
JESS REDMAN
On December 12, 2022, award-winning children’s author, Jess Redman spoke with Carrollton’s 1st and 3rd-grade students about the creative writing process and read from her newest release, Season of Light. Mrs. Redman shared stories about the holiday season and reminded the girls that the light, joy, and spirit of the season are always within them. Third-grader Claire Mitchell was the winner of the writing contest and introduced Mrs. Redman at the event. The runner-up for the contest was Victoria Hughes.
<--- From left: Victoria Hughes, Jess Redman, & Claire Mitchell
VANESSA GARCIA
On October 25, 2022, award-winning children's book author, and Carrollton alumn, Vanessa Garcia '97 spoke with Carrollton's Lower School students about her latest book release, as well as the creative writing process. Second-grader Zoe Negreira was the winner of the writing contest and introduced Mrs. Garcia at the event. The runners-up for the contest were Seanna Chamizo and Bianca Uribe.
<---From left to right: Zoe Negreira, Seanna Chamizo, Vanessa Garcia, & Bianca Uribe
CHRISTINA DIAZ GONZALEZ
On October 11, 2022, award-winning children's book author Christina Diaz Gonzalez spoke with Carrollton Intermediate students about her latest book releases and the process of writing. Sixth graders Natalia and Clarissa were the winners of the writing contest and introduced Mrs. Gonzalez at the event, whereas sixth graders Mirentxu and Valentina gave the author a red umbrella signed by the entire 6th-grade class as a thank-you gift.
<--From left to right: Mirentxu Lago, Valentina Flipse, Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Natalia Bracomontes, & Clarissa Castellanos
JEN CALONITA
Carrollton Libraries, in partnership with Books & Books, was excited to have author Jen Calonita speak with the Intermediate and Junior High students on Thursday, September 22, 2022, in the Convocation Center on Barat campus. Jen Calonita discussed her origin story on her passion for reading and writing and also gave the students an ingredient list for what goes into making a great story!
As part of the Visiting Author Series, Renee Amelia Montano (7th grade), the winner of the student writing contest, received an autographed copy of Calonita's latest release, 12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future!, and introduced Jen Calonita at the event.
PAM MUÑOZ RYAN
On Friday, February 4, 2022, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart welcomed author Pam Muñoz Ryan for our first in-person Visiting Author Series of the academic year. In celebration of her visit, the entire intermediate school participated in a butterfly prompt contest. All entries are displayed on the El Jardin bulletin board.
Anna Tang (5th grade) won the contest. Her approach focused on her passion for ice-skating and how her butterfly personified that passion to “spread joy as the ‘Winter Butterfly’ and bring happiness to everyone in the spring and winter.” Anna won a signed copy of Solimar and introduced Muñoz Ryan at the event.
Pam Muñoz Ryan presented in the Convocation Center to the entire Intermediate School girls. She spoke about her relationships with books, her process as a writer, and her journey into publishing, including her latest book, Solimar. After the presentation, the author was able to provide a Q&A session with the girls.
Sandra Neil Wallace Reads Marjory Saves the Everglades
by Sandra Neil Wallace (Author), Rebecca Gibbon (Illustrator)
On Wednesday, October 28, 2020, our Montessori and Primary students had a virtual author visit from acclaimed children’s book author, Sandra Neil Wallace. In her picture book biography, Marjory Saves the Everglades (The Story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas), she brings the inspiring story of journalist and activist, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, to young readers. The library made a donation on behalf of the students from the book sales to the Friends of the Everglades which was also formed by Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
Celia Perez: Intermediate students welcomed Celia Perez and her new book, Strange Birds - A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers. Juliana Xydas's zine was chosen as most creative and she had the honor of introducing Ms. Perez. Many of the students were familiar with her first book, The First Rule of Punk, a 2018 Pura Belpre Author Honor book award winner. Strange Birds is an inspiring story about the power of truth and of true friends.
Award-winning author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds visited the Primary and Montessori schools with his new release, Be You! Mr. Reynolds reminded readers to "be your own work of art" and be your best efforts toward being patient, persistent, and true. His message was a joyful reminder of the ways that every child is unique and special. He is the beloved creator of The Dot, Happy Dreamer, and the New York Times bestseller, The Word Collector. Lily Vidal had the honor of introducing our guest offer.
BOB SHEA (Author), ZACHARIAH O'HORA (Illustrator)
The Montessori five-year-olds enjoyed a special session with author/illustrator Bob Shea. He has written and illustrated over a dozen picture books and is on tour with his latest book, The Happiest Book Ever! His characters and animations have appeared on Nick Jr., Playhouse Disney, and PBS Kids. During his presentation, he read stories and joined the students on the floor drawing characters such as unicorns, ballet cats, dinosaurs, and other characters as he encouraged their creativity.
JORDAN MATTER
Talks Photography and Dance with Junior High
Jordan Matter, portrait and dance photographer, authored New York Times bestseller, Dancers Among Us. He is known to millions for his 10 Minute Photo Challenge YouTube Videos. During his time with the students, he spoke from the heart about the journey he took to get where he is today. He spoke about his photography sessions and how he was able to capture incredible moments from dancers across the world and the stories that made it into the book some funny and others about the serious issue of social media being used as a bullying tool.
On Monday, March 19, 2018, a special presentation author visit with Chelsea Clinton took place at the Maria and Dolores and Maurice R. Ferre Convocation Center for Montessori, Primary, and Intermediate students.
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PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON! AS WE CONTINUE TO UPDATE THE PAGE!
PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON! AS WE CONTINUE TO UPDATE THE PAGE!
CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI
The Junior High students took a field trip to the Miami Book Fair International and attended a talk with Christopher Paolini inside the Temple Isreal of Greater Miami.
Dugarte, A. (2022, May 6). #CarrolltonReads Book Banner [Digital Graphic].
