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This April, we were fortunate to have author David Patneaude visit the school for two days. The first day, he worked with Gretchen Davis’ 7th grade English classes, teaching them about writing and answering their multitude of questions about his books, particularly Epitaph Road, which they had all read. Epitaph Road posits a future in which a plague has wiped out 97% of the male population of the Earth. Are things better or worse without them? For Kellen, one of the only boys on Earth, that question looms ever larger.

On day two, he gave a presentation to the entire Middle School, talking about some of his books and about his writing process. The students really enjoyed the assembly, and Mr. Patneaude was impressed with the courtesy and intellectual curiosity of Overlake students. No surprise to us!

Mr. Patneaude kindly made himself available after the assembly to sign books in the Campus Center. New books to purchase on student accounts were provided by the University Bookstore in Bellevue, though many students brought their own copies. The line for signing was out the door, a sure mark of a successful visit!

I review books and occasionally write articles for VOYA magazine, aimed at librarians who serve teens. This month they published my article, “Winning the Writing Olympics,” in which I interviewed five newly published writers about their experiences as new authors. From the link, go to page 28-29 (be sure pop-ups are enabled). If the link doesn’t work, just go to the main magazine site, and the digital issue is on the right. The article will only be available until the end of April.

–Rebecca

Project Week 2011 has come and gone, but this year the Library played a bigger role than usual. Karen Mihata and I (Rebecca) jointly run the project “Written & Illustrated By…” in which Middle School students write, illustrate, and bind their own picture books. In past years we’ve used various classrooms, but this year, needing more space, we used the Library. It was a great success, and everyone enjoyed having more room in which to spread out. If you are on campus, drop by and see the results of the project, which will be on display this week and next.

Students offering compliments and suggestions to improve book jackets

Finished books on display in the Library

More finished books ready to be admired

Check out the new materials received in March!