Muscatine Journal Article:
"Everybody Loves a Good Book"

by Cynthia Beaudette (October 18, 2002)

Author visits local classrooms with new, choice story


CYNTHIA BEAUDETTE
of the Muscatine Journal
MUSCATINE, Iowa -- Author Carol Gorman returned to Muscatine classrooms this week with a new book on the Iowa Children's Choice Award List.
Gorman made presentations to fourth-,fifth- and sixth-grade students in Muscatine Community Schools and Bishop Hayes Catholic School as the Muscatine media specialists hosted a visiting author again this year.
Janelle Grammens, the media specialist at Bishop Hayes Catholic School, said Gorman, a Cedar Rapids resident visited in 1990 when her book "Charlie (sic) and the Green Haired Kid," was selected for the Iowa Children's Choice Award List.
"We're lucky to have her back," Grammens said Thursday morning during Gorman's visit.
This year the list, used by media specialists for selecting literature for fourth through sixth-graders, features Gorman's book, "Dork in Disguise."
. The story centers on Jerry Flack, who is tired of being a class dork. When he begins sixth grade in a new town, he tries to transform himself into a cool dude, but his love of science and other "dorky" habits make the image change difficult.
Many Bishop Hayes students had already read the book and enjoyed liked Flack's character.
"He's learning he doesn't have to be cool to fit in with the rest of the kids." said Peyton Noll, 9.
Natalie Sturms, 9, said the book is also funny.
"It seems like it's based on real life," Sturms said.
The book's comforting message also won he praise of students in Oklahoma, South Carolina, Missouri and Washington who voted it their favorite among those on reading lists compiled by librarians in each state.
Gorman began writing in the mid-1980s when she married mystery an suspense novelist Ed Gorman.
To gain confidence and expertise she studied many other books.
She and her husband also visit with other successful authors such as their friend Max Allan Collins of Muscatine.
After Gorman told students about her life and work, she invited them to ask questions. "This is my favorite part," she said.
"How many books have your written?" asked Samantha Vogel, 10.
Gorman smiled and congratulated Vogel on her excellent grammar, saying people often improperly say wrote instead of written.
Gorman, a University of Iowa graduate, said of the 45 books she has written, more than 30 have been published.
She taught language arts in Cedar Rapids several years before beginning a full-time writing career.
This fall, Gorman began teaching English part time at Coe College.
But she hasn't shelved her love for writing children's books. "Midsummer Night's Dork" is scheduled for publication in 2004, she told students.
"I can't wait that long," fourth-grader Zach Caslavka called out from the audience.
Cynthia Beaudette can be reached at 563-23-2331 (ext.320) or by e-mail at cynthia.beaudette@muscatinejournal.com.
This article and photo first appeared in the Muscatine Journal on October 18, 2002 issue; page 1, 2A. It is reprinted here with permission.

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Cedar Rapids, Iowa USA