I have been doing an author study project with my elementary students for years, but have recently become re-enamored with these types of inquiries. An author study project checks a lot of boxes in your student-centered classroom. They help students develop their own writing identity and connect more deeply with books. They’re also a great way to discuss the writing process, overcoming obstacles – and the many things that influence and inspire a creator’s work. Oh yeah – and they’re fun!
I chose these brilliant authors mostly because I LOVE having each of their books in my classroom library. They’re the ones I see my first-grade students drawn to over and over again. Women author-illustrators seemed the perfect way to mix in our class’s celebration of Women’s History Month. Finally, I chose diverse authors so all my students could see themselves in who we study. Let’s get started with these 7 amazing authors definitely worth your next author study project!
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Author Study project candidate #1: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
OK, I try not to play favorites, but I sincerely can’t even look at a book illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton without smiling. A talented illustrator of 80+ books (!), Vanessa Brantley-Newton has also authored (and illustrated!) five of her own books. They include:
Doing an author study project with Vanessa Brantley-Newton will have your students discussing social justice, family, history, hardships, and creativity. They won’t be able to get enough! Check out my resources here!
Author Study Project Candidate #2: Yuyi Morales
PLEASE tell me you’ve read books written and illustrated by the vibrant Yuyi Morales. I featured one of her books in my post about read-alouds for Hispanic Heritage Month, but this Latina creator deserves her place in the spotlight year-round. Check out my favorites from Yuyi Morales:
When learning about Yuyii Morales, your students can explore questions like, “How does Yuyi Morales’ culture affect her work?” and “What are repeating themes or ideas in the author’s work?” Whether it’s from her art or her words (but likely both!), your students will leave inspired!
Author Study Project Candidate #3: Amanda Gorman
It’s hard to go anywhere without hearing poet-activist Amanda Gorman’s name these days. “Discovered” by many via her 2021 Inaugural Poem, “The Hill We Climb,” Amanda Gorman has so much to offer to your students. Between her first lyrical children’s book, “Change Sings” and her many video poem performances, I guarantee your students will be inspired by this amazing creator!
An author study project of Amanda Gorman helps readers examine questions like, “How can we approach obstacles?” and “How can we use words to change the world?” I guarantee your students will benefit from studying this vibrant writer.
Check out my complete author study on Amanda Gorman here!
Author Study Project Candidate #4: Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson may just be this list’s most versatile author! She creates everything from novels to poem collections to beautiful picture books with a message that lasts. Because of this, Jacqueline Woodson is a fantastic choice for an author study project with students of any age: from early elementary to high school!
Here are some of my favorite Jacqueline Woodson picture books to explore with your students:
An author study project centering on Jacqueline Woodson is a great way to explore questions like, “How does writing help us develop and communicate our identities?” and “How can we use history and stories to deepen our understanding of the world?”
Looking for more on author study projects?
Make sure to check out my other blog posts to see how I use them in my class! Also, don’t miss out on my Author Study Resource – great to use with ANY author!
