Our “Island Book and Author Program” takes Maine children’s book authors/illustrators to island schools off the Maine coast. The children interact closely with the authors/illustrators about their books, learning how to dream them up, write them, illustrate and read them. The local teachers, with preparations suggestions from us, integrate our visits into on-going lesson plans, emphasizing creative art and writing activities, as well as history, science, and other topics related to a book’s specific content. Each child receives a book that is personally inscribed by the author. The close-knit island community members are often invited to view exhibits and presentations of the children’s creations.
The following authors, illustrators and scientists partnered with IRW to bring experiences that excite a passion for reading and learning to children living on Maine’s islands this spring and summer -2011.
Gary Schmidt
Toni Buzzeo
Paul Janeczko
Mary Beth Owens
Aspirnaut Program at Vanderbilt University
Cynthia Lord
Rebekah Raye
Our second program called “Friends Over Books,” is a summer program. In this, book-loving adults come to the islands to read with and discuss carefully selected theme-oriented books, with individuals and groups of children, ages 9-14 at island libraries. Skits, demonstrations, field trips and author visits are part of this six-week program. Copies of the books to be read by the group are provided to each child. Everyone loves this: the children (who are thrilled to have fascinating visitors just for them come to their island), the teachers (who see good results from the summer reading) and the island communities (who value enriching their kids’ lives above all).
Our third program called “Community Outreach” focuses on large events that bring together people of all ages to celebrate reading. We seek to build supportive and healthy reading communities that encourage kids to love reading by sharing with families and community members, the book-related activities and programs that bring a story to life. IRW’s Big Read The Call of the Wild held in Jan-Feb 2010, drew 1236 readers for a month-long program involving seven island communities, 11 libraries, 17 non-profits, two school districts, and 100 miles of coastline, is one example of our Community Outreach. A grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest and matched by Maine Charity Foundation Fund, The Maine Humanities Council and private donations made this program possible.
