Bestselling author Jennifer Nielsen spent the day in Sterling Dec. 1 speaking to students and holding writing workshops. Nielsen is a New York Times bestselling author of adventure, fantasy, and historical fiction novels for middle grades and young adults. Students in grades 1-12 heard her speak.
Her message for 1st-3rd grade students encouraged them to be readers and writers. Nielsen shared stories from her own childhood and asked students to tell her what books they like to read. Third grader Miriam L. enjoyed how the author helped them create a story together and said “I learned that it is fun to write and read.”
For 4th-6th graders, Nielsen focused on her historical fiction books and the research behind them. Sixth-grade student Zandor B. called meeting his favorite author “a life-changing event.”
Fellow sixth grader Kenadee S. said, “Her encouraging words shot right into me and one day I hope to be a … talented writer just like Jennifer Nielsen. She is my hero.”
Marah K. added, “I learned that writing is for everyone, not just certain people, and to never give up even when you’re not good at something.”
At the junior/senior high school, Nielsen talked about the power of creativity and encouraged students to find their gift and never give up. She highlighted gifts and talents that aren’t measured by test scores. After sharing examples of how her struggle to overcome personal failure made her a stronger person, the author ended her talk with a challenge: “I build story. What will you build?”
Nielsen held two writing workshops: one for 5th and 6th graders, and one for students in Ian Anderson’s high school creative writing classes along with other interested jr.-sr. high students. The sessions were interactive with students asking questions and sharing ideas and as they built a story together. Nielsen told students that they each had a unique voice and perspective: “Your ideas matter. The way to make them live forever is to write them down.”
Parent Christina Rowland shared that her fifth-grade daughter Lacey “has been creating stories since she could talk and has notebooks full of stories she’s written since she learned to write. Jennifer had a strong impact on her.”
While in Sterling, Nielsen also autographed books for students and staff. “Jennifer’s message was motivational and encouraging,” said district librarian Amy Brownlee. “Kids walked away from her sessions excited about learning and inspired to share their gifts with the world.”
