STUDENTS &
TEACHERS
Teachers' Guides
Please click on the book covers on this page to navigate to the individual book pages, where the teachers' guides are located. The book pages also include FAQ and resources specific to each book.
Resources
Listen to this interview with Jennifer Buehler of NCTE to learn about how facts can enhance fiction, how research can be used to render a more complex fictional story, and how the careful use of language can elevate the telling of a real experience.
I’ve had the privilege of being on Good Morning America and NPR but my interview with Jennifer Buehler was the best interview experience I’ve ever had. She is the Terry Gross of children’s books.
READ THINK WRITE – Episode 57 – A Conversation with Patricia McCormick
Author Visits
Some parents have voiced their objections to the topics in my books. As a mother—and as someone who writes for other people’s children—I take these expression of concern very seriously.
I think it’s very important, especially in a time when our country is so divided, that we not dismiss these parents’ reactions. That we listen carefully to them, to the fear behind them. Because what we need when we are insecure and frightened—especially when it comes to an issue involving our children—is compassion. Without that basic level of respect, we’ll never reach an understanding of each other.
But I disagree with those who don’t want edgy books in their schools, stores and homes. Because those kids – the ones who are struggling with self-injury or substance abuse—ARE in our schools and our stores and our families. They may not be making eye contact. They may not be raising their hands—but they are dying for a way to understand what’s going on with them and dying for a way to talk about it.
That’s why I believe in edgy fiction. One person’s edge is someone else’s everyday reality.
If you would like to schedule a visit for me to speak to your group, please see the Speaking Engagements section of this website.
There is a downloadable author photo and short bio on the Biography section of this website.