MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Children's author Kate Messner will visit Penn State Harrisburg on March 17 to lecture on how to inspire lifelong reading through writing and sharing nonfiction for kids.
Messner will present two sessions — an afternoon session for teachers and educators and an evening session for the general public — at Madlyn L. Hanes Library, Penn State Harrisburg.
Messner’s New York Times–bestselling titles include award-winning picture books, easy readers, chapter book series and novels for young readers. Her books are frequently nominated for state book award lists and have been included in best-of-year lists by Kirkus and School Library Journal. Her honors include the E.B. White Read Aloud Award, Golden Kite and Crystal Kite awards, Riverby Award for Natural History Writing and Nerdy Book Club Awards. Messner’s science-themed books have been selected as finalists for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize and named to the NSTA/CBC list of Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12. Her history materials have been included in the NCSS list of Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People.
Messner is a frequent speaker at conferences for writers and educators and visits schools all over the world to talk with students about books, writing and the power of curiosity.
Events will include two sessions:
Noon: “Magical Mentors”
Intended for teachers and other educators, this session will incorporate Messner’s award-winning books "The Brilliant Deep" and "How to Write a Story." “Magical Mentors” will demonstrate how texts, authors and teachers inspire students to write.
6 p.m.: “The Superpower of Curiosity”
Intended for the general public, this session will incorporate Messner’s popular "History Smashers" series and "Over and Under the Pond." “The Superpower of Curiosity” will explore how to encourage kids bound for historical, STEM and other careers.
Refreshments will be served at both sessions.
This event is sponsored via a grant from Barnes and Noble Education and is a partnership between Hanes Library and Teacher Education/School of Behavioral Sciences and Education at Penn State Harrisburg.
Registration for both sessions is required via an online registration form.