Visiting Author program
The Visiting Author Program provides Gordon students the unique experience of delving into the writer’s craft by working with nationally recognized authors and illustrators. It is supported by the Karla Harry Visiting Author Fund, which was established in 2006 in memory of Karla Harry, Gordon’s beloved librarian and adored community member. This fund was initially endowed by Almon, Suzanne, Stephen, and Sara Hall. Gifts from Karla’s friends and family have expanded its mission, and this permanent fund has become a vital part of the school’s library program and literature curriculum.
2007 Visiting Author Kimberly Willis Holt
2009 Visiting Author Marilyn Nelson
2010 Visiting Author Julia Alvarez
2011 Visiting Author April Pulley Sayre
2012 Visiting Author Joseph Bruchac
2013 Visiting Author Doreen Rappaport
2014 Visiting Author Andrea Davis Pinkney
2015 Visiting Author James Howe
2016 Visiting Authors Robin Page and Steve Jenkins
2017 Visiting Author Nikki Grimes
2018 Visiting Author Kwame Alexander
Author Kwame Mbalia (top) and illustrator Eric Wilkerson (bottom) are the 2021 Karla Harry Visiting Author honorees. They are creative team behind the New York Times bestseller Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, which was awarded a Coretta Scott King Author Honor and CABA award.
More on their work, and the work they did with the Gordon community, on Gordon's blog
The residency coincides with the annual GCA Book Fair, which also includes author visits from Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie (Layla's Happiness), Simran Jeet Singh (Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The Story of the Oldest Runner to Ever Run a Marathon) and Susan Joyce (Billy the Rescue Dog).