Wow! What a week...

... and it's only Thursday.  The students have been very quiet and respectful during CST testing.  It is a long time to sit and work and they've done very well.

I hope you heard about our fabulous assembly on Tuesday afternoon.  Mr. Rousseau worked with Hicklebee's Children's Book Store (downtown Willow Glen) to bring us the event.  We had FOUR published authors join us for a rousing, entertaining and informative hour.  The assembly far exceeded my expectations.  I had the opportunity to speak to two of the writers ahead of time.  Both were generous with their time.   Each of the authors signed books for our classroom library.  A kind donation from one of moms who was winner at the LA Women's Poker Night funded the purchases.  :)

EJ (Ernie) Altbacker is a screenwriter and author of the Shark Wars series.  He writes for a number of animated shows including Spiderman and Ben 10.  He spoke about some of the research that he's done in order to write his books.

Jacqueline West was the sole female amongst the group.  In addition to writing, she is a singer and   The third volume of her "The Books of Elsewhere" series is due out this summer.  She spoke about the inspiration of childhood experiences in her novels which revolve around a girl who can, with the help of magical spectacles, go inside the numerous paintings in her new home.

Adam Gidwitz is the charming and funny author of A Tale Dark and Grimm, a dark but fabulous book that I read last year.  Based on the real Brothers Grimm work, it is reminiscent of Roald Dahl; children encounter and overcome some serious bad guys.  He spoke to us on how authors use inspiration of all sorts and that it's okay to take a story and build on it, but to make sure that you give credit.  Notice the spelling of "Grimm".

Last, but certainly not least, is the librarian and author, C. Alexander London .  His books, We Are Not Eaten by Yaks and We Dine With Cannibals, are about two children who are reluctant participants in their parents adventures.  He spoke about his own experiences as an avid television viewer who eventually found his way to books.

The "Endangered Authors" assembly was a wonderful event.

We topped it off the day with a reporter visiting as we continued on our assessment of the "What Is A Flame?" entries.  It looks like the world-wide assembly for the Flame Challenge will start at 8 am in early May.  I will invite students to class early.  If they make their Khan Academy goal for April, we will also have a pancake breakfast that morning.  Stay tuned for details!