Mom's Big Catch

Last week Magee had a very special guest visit.  Wisconsin author, Marla McKenna, came to our school!  Ms. McKenna wrote the book, Mom's Big Catch.  Mom's Big Catch is based on the true story of the time Ms. McKenna went to the Brewer game with her family.  I won't give away the ending, but the mom in the story ends up catching a ball in a very unusual way!  The sequel to the book, Sadie's Big Steal, comes out in June.  Sadie is the family's dog.


Marla McKenna met with each grade level for about 40 minutes.  She read the story and talked to the students about how she got the idea, how long it took her to write it and the process of sending it to publishers and having it rejected.  She then told them about the publisher that decided to publish her book and what that process was like.

Ms. McKenna's message to students was to never give up and follow your dreams.  Also, she told them how important it is to be positive.  There were times she was discouraged but she made an effort to choose to be postive through the whole process.  Ms. McKenna talked to students about becoming better writers by using describing and action words and adding emotion to their writing.

Marla McKenna also ate lunch with six of our students.  That was such a fun time!  The students asked lots of questions and Ms. McKenna asked them questions, too!  It was a great day.  We all can't wait to read Marla McKenna's new book, Sadie's Big Steal.

For more information about Marla McKenna, visit her website.