Round Rock ISD’s Library Services team knows that fostering a love of reading is at the heart of academic success. One of the most powerful ways they do that is through author visits, which connect students directly with the writers behind the stories they know and love.
“It’s super important for students to see what authors do and the whole scope of that work,” said Stephanie Inzana, director of Library Services. “After author visits, students are more excited about reading that author’s works. They also see how an author’s work, though it may not be something they plan to do, can relate to their own lives. It helps broaden their horizons beyond what they see in their day-to-day life.”
The district’s most recent visiting author was Adam Gidwitz, best known for A Tale Dark & Grimm, a darkly funny twist on classic fairy tales. Grisham Middle School librarian Diane Hance said she expects Gidwitz’s novels to fly off her shelves after his visit.
“I was sitting with students during Adam’s presentation and already hearing them say, ‘I have to get my hands on that book.’ Once his books are checked out, I can say, ‘Well, if you liked this book, try this next one!’ It really inspires them to want to read,” Hance said.
Laura Stiles, coordinator of Library Services, said the district invites authors for a variety of reasons, from curriculum connections to encouraging creativity and perseverance in students.
“Every author I’ve ever heard, which is a lot, has talked about editing, revising, and being rejected,” Stiles said. “That’s such an important lesson for our kids. It shows them that things won’t always happen the first time, and that perseverance matters.”
For many students, meeting an author also makes books feel more personal and relatable.
“These authors are celebrities to our students,” Inzana said. “That moment of seeing someone they admire, hearing their story, and realizing they could do something like that too—that’s a moment that stays with them.”
Through author visits, Round Rock ISD students are inspired to explore new stories, use their imaginations, and see themselves as lifelong readers and storytellers.