CLiF would like to introduce or re-introduce you to J.L. McCreedy of Gorham, NH. She is the author of the Liberty Frye series and The Orphan of Torundi, fantasy books for middle grade readers. CLiF created the outline below to help students of all ages think about her books and interests.

Watch a clip of J.L’s presentation from CLiF’s Virtual Author’s Series here.

Things to think about:

• Jesse grew up in Indonesia and Malaysia and, as an adult, lived in Germany, China, and the South Pacific; how does experiencing other places and cultures impact her writing?
• How does moving to and living in New Hampshire contribute to her need for adventure?
• Jesse has a law degree – why do you think authors know about other fields, and why do you think they are always learning?
• How do traditional fairy tales, such as the Brothers Grimm, influence the stories?

Here are a few ways to get to know Jesse’s work better:

• Look at her digital travel journal
• Read an interview with Jesse by LitPick
• Think about why it is fun to read (and write) a series about a strong girl

CLiF has created literacy activities for students of all ages here. Here are some that would go nicely with Jesse’s work:

For younger kids:

• Dress Up Day – dress up as they would in a fantasy world you create
• Fairy Tale Fridge Magnets – design puppets and settings for your own fantasy story

For older kids:

• Book Trailer Posters – create a poster that makes a book character or a fantasy world enticing
• Facebook Profiles – how would Liberty Frye present herself?

For families:

• Letters to book characters – write letters to members of your family as if you were characters in Liberty Frye
• Photography as a writing prompt – take pictures of cool things in your neighborhood and write/tell a story about them within a fantasy

Photo from the Conway Daily Sun