Mayerthorpe students learn from author

By Nerissa McNaughton

Earlier this month Mayerthorpe High School enjoyed a visit from author Jeff Ross. Ross’ appearance was in support of TD Canada Book Week, an event Book Week hails as “the single most important national event celebrating Canadian children’s books and the importance of reading,” with “28,000 children, teens, and adults… hundreds of schools, public libraries, bookstores, and community centres” participating in the event.

Ross made the trip from his home in Ottawa to visit the Mayerthorpe students, and encouraged them to be diligent in pursuit of their goals. Like many authors, Ross faced numerous rejection from publishers before his five released and two upcoming novels became a reality. Powerslide earned him a Canadian Children’s Book Choice award, and Dawn Patrol earned vote from the Young Adults Library Services Association (YALSA) as a best book for reluctant readers.

Ross tailored his presentation for each grade, so every student learned relevant lessons about life and writing from the popular author. Techniques he shared ranged from methods authors use to move a story forward to how to create engaging plot development. All students enjoyed the author reading from his novels, including the sneak peak he gave them of his soon-to-be-published Henry and the German.