Third Graders Visit with Author Kate Hannigan

The Kovler Family Library and the 3rd grade welcomed author Kate Hannigan for a daylong visit. Hannigan is the author of 14 books, including the graphic novel The Great Chicago Fire: Rising from the Ashes.

Hannigan met with the 3rd grade to share her experiences as a writer and her research and discoveries about the Great Chicago Fire. She went to the Chicago History Museum to read letters from survivors who documented life during that time.

Hannigan talked about her inspirations and encouraged students to carry around a small notebook and collect words and ideas for their own writing. She also spent time with each 3rd grade class teaching a graphic novel-writing workshop. She shared the process of how to write a graphic novel and emphasized the importance of making sure the illustrations and words work together to tell a story.

Then, inspired by what they knew from their study of the Chicago Fire, 3rd graders worked on a first draft of a graphic novel panel of their own. This visit made powerful connections with the 3rd grade curriculum, writing and the opportunity to hear and learn from an author.

Click here for photos of this visit!