On March 14th, Kirstin Cronn-Mills drove two hours from Mankato and through the snow to speak to South High Students. She was invited to speak to Human Geography, World Studies and English students and attend lunch with students in the Book Club.
Kirstin started out by reading from her young adult novel, Beautiful Music for Ugly Children. After she read for awhile and introduced the audience to her main character, trans man Liz/Gabe, she opened the floor for questions. Kirstin is a college English teacher and she knows how to capture her audience and hold their attention.
From the Q and A session, we found out the Kirstin likes author, A.S. King, she also recommended the book, With or Without You by Brian Farrey as well as Silhouette of a Sparrow by Molly Beth Griffin. One of the students asked if she liked graphic novels and Kirstin replied with a resounding yes. The novel she is currently working will be a graphic novel. There was a lot of great conversation around the graphic novels, Maus I and II and Incognegro.
Music was also a central topic as well as how much money she makes as an author. Kirstin stated she is definitely not in it for the money because author aren't paid much. She loves to write for teens and will continue. For her, writing is not about the money, it is about so much more. I would have to concur.
At lunch with the book club, we ate and talked about books of course. Some of the students at the book club had never met an author before and I think they were speechless. Kirstin encouraged them to talk and told them the importance of writing down their stories because their personal stories are important. I sure hope they do. Pictured to the right is Kirstin with three students in the book club and the librarian/ book club leader.
Overall it was a great day with a great author.
Thanks Kirstin for taking the time to spend your day with us. It was awesome!
