Recently, fourth graders at MHSL, PES and WSL marked Read Across America Day with a virtual visit from authors Chris and J.J. Grabenstein, who co-authored Shine!
They are a high energy, positive duo. The Grabensteins used teamwork to collaborate on their story and they talked about how, “There are no bad first ideas” when it comes to writing.
Both have a background in theater. Chris has written several commercials and has performed comedy. Though Chris seems to have been quite a class clown, he credits an elementary teacher of his for encouraging him by telling him he would be a writer someday.
Students were encouraged to read, write, draw, act, and express themselves.
