Dever students talk Earth Day with virtual author

Before heading into their spring break, students at James A Dever were paid a virtual visit from award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson. The Dever PTA provided students with books written by Hopkinson whose focus is on historical fiction, nonfiction, and picture books for young readers. The event was facilitated through the help of Dever’s librarian, Tom Mullen.

During the virtual visit, Ms. Hopkinson discussed her writing and encouraged students to develop their writing skills by offering them writing prompts. The students were asked to write about something they cared deeply about and to think about how they would describe their personal stories.

The students and the author then spoke about Earth Day and her new book, Only One, which she co-authored with Chuck Groenink. The environmentally-focused picture book highlights the beauty of the universe with its galaxies, stars, and planets—especially Earth with the precious life it contains. The book was a great way to explain to young readers about the Big Bang, the Milky Way, the planets in the solar system, and Earth’s atmosphere. They learned about the importance of the oceans, trees, and bugs. Students also considered how they could help preserve and protect our one precious blue planet.