There
are often connections to individual books and those connections are
present for Carol's books as well. Each of her book pages share
some basic ideas for connecting to curriculum. One valuable
response to the reading of a book is to connect to more
reading. Studying an author's body of work does just that.
Whether you are inviting Carol to your school (or considering a virtual
visit via Skype, for example), or just wish to make the connection via
a focus on the author's body of work these suggestions may
be of help.
- Carol has written both mystery and suspense
novels. Read several of Carol's novels and discuss the difference
between a mystery book and a book of suspense. Compare your
definitions to the information about mystery and suspense stories
included in Educator's Companion to Children's Literature, Volume
1: Mysteries, Animal Tales, Books of Humor, Adventure Stories, and
Historical Fiction by Sharron L. McElmeel [Libraries Unlimited,
1995] ISBN: 1-56308-329-9; pages 15-21. The title should be
available in libraries and available via interlibrary loan.
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Carol accepting an award, in Missouri, for Stumptown Kid.
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- Compare and contrast Gorman's mysteries to
mystery and suspense titles by Lois Duncan, Joan Lowery Nixon, Scott
Corbett, Barthe DeClements, Mary Downing Hahn, and Betty Ren Wright.
- Some of Gorman's books have been recommended on
lists of "books of humor." Decide which of her books that you've read
might be categorized as humorous.
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Carol working with children during a visit to the Omaha public schools, during a writer's workshop.
Carol has a number of workshops for
writers including a workshop focusing on writing the hook -- the hook
that engages readers from the begining. She also works with
various traits of writing: voice, word choice, idea, etc.
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Readers
often want to know what books authors read as a child. Carol has
released a list of books that became her and her son Ben's favorite
books. She often shares this list with primary-aged readers when
she speaks with them. You are welcome to duplicate the list of
books to use as a list to help primary children connect with Carol and
her writing. Favorite Picture Books: A List from Carol Gorman. (PDF)
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Carol shares her ten top reasons for reading. This might be a list that you share with students. (PDF)
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If you'd like to discuss an author visit to your community -- contact McBookwords for more information.
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© 2008-2009 Carol Gorman
All rights reserved.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa USA
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