Why Jen Bryant!

By: Mrs. Sarah Connelly, School Librarian

We are thrilled to welcome Jen Bryant to our school and look forward to hearing her speak about authors, artists, and events that inspired her to write!

A resident of Chester County, Jen Bryant adds the flavor of our area to her original works. In  addition to riveting stories, Ms. Bryant brings us characters displaying compassion, perseverance, and determination.  Her mostly female protagonists are creative, inventive, and show an intellectual curiosity that inspires readers of all ages.

Pieces of Georgia revolves around a girls living in the Brandywine River area.  Georgia, an 8^th grader, is dealing with a family tragedy finding solace through her artistic talents.  She is inspired by the work of the Wyeth family members on display at the Brandywine River Museum and goes there frequently to view their paintings.

Kaleidoscope Eyes is set in southern New Jersey where 13-year-old Lyza worked with her pals to unravel a true mystery of history.  Set in the year 1968, Lyza and her friends must also process national events made prominent in the news of that pivotal year.

The Trial takes place in Ms. Bryant’s native town of Flemington, New Jersey.  It relates the story of Katie Flynn, a school age aspiring journalist.  Katie records her observations as the eyes of the world turn towards this small town throughout the trial-of-the-century, the case of the Lindbergh baby kidnapping.

Ms. Bryant’s non-fiction picture books are glorious!!!

The Right Word and A River of Words, both Caldecott Award Winners, celebrate the beauty of words.  The Right Word tells the story of Peter Roget, author of the renowned Roget’s Thesaurus.  A River of Words gives readers insight into the inspiration behind William Carlos Williams’ poetry.

I read these books to the students who delighted in following the lives of these two men who found their passion for the beauty of words as youngsters and later found a way to share this passion with the world.

Artists Georgia O’Keefe and Horace Pippin did the same through their paints.  Jen Bryant lets us know how, even as children, they felt a connection to the world around them and worked to communicate that beauty that they saw.

                Please feel welcome to view the display of Jen Bryant’s books outside the library!
Orders for her books must be turned in by Wed, March 23^rd.
They will be personalized by Ms. Bryant during her visit to Villa on Tuesday, April 12^th.

(Please note—this is not a fundraiser!  We are passing on our school discount to you!
All books are sold at 20% off the cover price!)