Authors Visit Middle School

Middle School students at University School of Milwaukee were visited by several authors and a guest speaker prior to spring break. All of the visits enhanced curricular learning and helped promote a love of reading amongst students. 

On Friday, Feb. 20, author Liza Wiemer spoke to 8th grade students about her novel, “The Assignment,” which they are reading for English as part of their unit on the Holocaust. The novel explores discrimination and antisemitism and was inspired by a real-life incident. Wiemer also spoke about how citizens became desensitized to the actions of the Nazis over time during World War II, and how antisemitism spread through bigotry and propaganda. 

Those same students also visited with Lee Rubenstein, who has worked at the Holocaust Museum of Skokie, Illinois, and has a personal connection to Anne Frank, on Monday, March 9. Rubenstein shared history through storytelling, questions and answers, and important, timely messaging for 8th grade students. 

On Wednesday, February 25, 7th grade students heard from author Claire Swinarski, who spoke to them about her new book “Each and Every Spark.” The novel interweaves two storylines: a girl in present-day Paris and a girl in Nazi-occupied Paris in the 1940s, and explores themes of courage, friendship, and the power of art.

On Thursday, March 12, author Jen Calonita spoke to all Middle School students, as well as all 4th grade students, about her new book in the “Isle of Ever” series called “The Curse Breaker.” Calonita is a New York Times best selling author known for her series called “Fairy Tale Reform School,” and Disney’s “A Twisted Tale” series.

These visits were coordinated by Middle School Librarian Ivana Rentería; 8th Grade English Teacher Emily Frederick; and Boswell Books. USM’s Parents’ Association also supported the purchase of books written by the visiting authors.