In January, two of my 3rd/4th grade classes at John Lyman School were lucky enough to spend some time with Mr. Thompson via Skype. John was an amazing author with whom to Skype. He has a calm demeanor (is that what happens when you live in South Carolina?) and the students loved hearing about how he got his start writing for middle grades (his daughter was 12 at the time). No one can book talk a book like the author and Mr. Thompson had my students desperate to read The Girl from Felony Bay (I sent off our copy with their teacher for their next read aloud).
Even better was the description of the next book John is working on (I won't give any details away) - but again, my students are dying to read it when it comes out. John took the time to answer lots of questions too! Thank you, thank you Mr. Thompson for taking some time to inspire young readers and writers!
For more information about J.E. Thompson, his books, and contact information, please check out his really cool website jethompsonbooks.com and follow him on Twitter at @JEThompson49.