[Amanda]

Hello!

My name is Amanda Fischer, and I am a 5th-grade teacher at Vandalia Elementary School in Porterville, California. I wanted to reach out because I have a classroom full of students who have absolutely fallen in love with Gordon Korman's books!

This year, something really special has happened in my classroom. Some of my students who had never had a favorite book now have one (or several!) because of his stories. Others who had never really enjoyed reading are suddenly excited to pick up a book, talk about the characters, and find out what happens next. As a teacher, watching that excitement grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of my year.

We have been reading books like Restart, Unplugged, and War Stories, and my students are completely hooked! They love discussing the characters, making predictions, and debating what they think will happen next. It has been wonderful seeing students who once struggled to find joy in reading become so invested in these stories.

I also have two small reading groups who are especially excited about his books and would love to write him personal letters. They want to share their favorite characters, what they have learned, and just how much his stories mean to them. I was hoping you could let me know the best mailing address or email where we could send their letters.

More than anything, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude. Teaching children how to read is one thing, but helping them fall in love with reading is something entirely different. Gordon Korman has helped me do that for students who once thought books just weren't for them, and that is something I will always be thankful for.

Thank you so much for your time and for any information you can share. I know my students would be thrilled just knowing their letters could reach one of their favorite authors!

Warmly,

Amanda Fischer
5th Grade Teacher
Vandalia Elementary School
Porterville Unified School District
Porterville, California

Hi, Ms. Fischer & 5th Grade,

Thanks for posting. I'm really pleased to hear that my books have been going over so well with your class. Please let them know how much I appreciate their support for my work. It's always great for me to know someone is out there, laughing in all the right places, or stiff with suspense at some cliffhanger. And also tell them that writing this stuff gives me just as much pleasure as they seem to have during the reading! I like my chosen profession!

The best way to write to me is through my publisher, Scholastic: they're at 557 Broadway, New York, NY, 10012. I can't promise to be prompt, but they will always get an answer -- and that IS a promise.

Thanks again for reaching out. I hope your class will continue to be fans!

                                              Kindest regards,                                              -----Gordon Korman-----