Author Visits

Douglas Wood is a Minnesota author that is nationally known and enjoyed by readers of all ages. Mr. Wood brought his guitar to share his gift of combining children's stories with a catchy tune. Mr. Wood has written children's books across many genres for many to read and fall in love with. Douglas Wood visited Akin Road in 2003.

Katie McKy came to Akin Road in the winter of 2008. She is a children's author from Wisconsin. Katie used teachers and students as props to act out her children's books, Everything Began with a Bean and Pumpkin Town, which are just a few of her books available for children to enjoy.

Anne Fredrickson came to Akin Road in the spring of 2009. She is an up-and-coming author from Northfield, Minnesota, who showcased her husband's uncle's baseball team, made up of all siblings....all 18 of them! This nonfiction children's book and Anne's presentation was amazing!

Bruce Lansky is an author of poems that make children laugh! Mr. Lanksy visited Akin Road in the spring of 2010, he sang a variety of children's poems and held writing workshops for students is grades 2-5.

Mary Casanova is an award-winning children's author of novels and picture books. She visited Akin Road in the spring of 2016. Many of Mary's books stem from her life on the Minnesota-Canadian border; yet some of her stories have taken her as far away as France, Norway, and Belize for research. Whatever the setting for her books, Casanova writes stories that matter--and stories that kids can't put down. 

Nancy Carlson, Minnesota author, entertained our students by teaching them about the writing and illustrating process. She read and acted out many of her very popular children’s books throughout her presentation. Our staff and students thank Nancy for sharing her talents with us and the ARE PTP for funding her visit. 

Jean Reidy visited Akin Road students online using Google Meets. Jean got the kids up and moving proving that her books are engaging for students of all ages writing across a variety of genres. Jean’s books motivate kids to read at every grade level. Thanks to our PTP for funding another great author visit!