Middle School Librarian Claudia Lasurdo has received a mini-grant of $500 from the Long Island School Media Association.
Lasurdo will use the funds to purchase books for an author study of Kwame Alexander. Utilizing two popular novels in verse, The Crossoverand Booked, students will explore Alexander's work in print, audio, and multimedia via his podcasts, rap videos, and online interviews.
Lasurdo says she and colleague Amanda Blayne were discussing plans for her 7th grade AIS English students when the idea came to them. The students showed great enthusiasm for Alexander, and Lasurdo wanted to have enough material for an entire class.
When the project begins, the students will produce works in the style of the author, such as verse using specific vocabulary, raps and blackout poetry.
