2011 Children's Writer-in-Residence: Alan Gratz
Thurber House announces a change in the Children’s Writer in
Residence for 2011
Due to family circumstances, the 2011 Thurber House Children’s Writer in Residence, Donna Gephart, is unable to participate. Her residency has been postponed until the summer of 2012.
Alan Gratz, of Bakersville, North Carolina, is the runner-up and will be the 2011 Children’s Writer in Residence in her stead. Alan will arrive in Columbus and take up residence in the third floor apartment of Thurber House on August 1 and stay through August 25th. During his stay, he will teach at the 4th & 5th grade Thurber House Summer Writing Camp, teach a writing workshop at the Olde Worthington Library, and focus on his next writing project.
Alan's first novel, Samurai Shortstop, was named one of the ALA's 2007 Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults. His first middle grade novel, The Brooklyn Nine, was one of the ALA's Top Ten Sports Books for Youth. His latest middle grade novel, Fantasy Baseball, came out in March. The School Library Journal reviewer had this to say, “Chock-full of whimsical references to children’s literature, the plot builds rapidly with mile-a-minute action and well-drawn sports scenes.”
Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Alan attended the University of Tennessee, where he earned a College Scholars degree with a specialization in creative writing, and, later, a Master's degree in English Education.
A very special thanks to the JPMorgan Chase Foundation for their ongoing support of the Children's Writer-in-Residence Program.
