Cameron Libraries Host Author Antony John

Library Director JoEllen Pratt was on a mission to bring an author to Cameron. What author would be able to captivate and interest both middle school and high school age students? While in the process of applying for a Missouri State Library Author Visit Grant she decided to approach her comrades in the literary crusade Tonya O’Boyle, CHS Library Media Specialist and Susan Stuedle, CVMS Library Media Specialist. Both librarians were familiar with Antony John, a British author now residing in Missouri who has books in a variety of genre including dystopian, thriller, and realistic fiction. 

Thanks to the efforts of Director Pratt and Youth Librarian Jennifer Ensign the Cameron Public Library was awarded the grant enabling Mr. John to visit Cameron. Author Antony John made the trek from his residence in St. Louis to Cameron Missouri on February 27. Early on February 28 he was in Cameron Veterans Middle School (CVMS) presenting to students about his books and the writing process. Mr. John stayed for lunch and spoke with students in the CVMS library who had questions or were interested in learning more about writing.

After visiting Cameron public schools, Mr. John went to the library where he had snacks and discussion with some local homeschool students. The young homeschoolers discussed his latest book, Mascot, and asked several questions about his inspirations for various books he has authored. The session was open to all area students and families interested in learning about the writing process, publishing, or connecting with the author. Mr. John was very engaging in his answers, often turning the question back to the student before answering himself. He even let the growing group in on his current project and the inspiration behind it. Before the session was over Mr. John had attracted a group of about 30 young authors and readers from the Cameron area. Many of whom came in after school and before other activities. Much of the discussion had to do with finding your voice as an author. “If you want to learn your voice read... All writers must be readers”. 

Mr. John commented on how impressed he was with the students he spoke with during his visit to Cameron. “They asked a lot of great questions,” said Mr. John, “The kind of questions that I would not have ever come up with when I was in high school and probably wouldn’t have come up with until I was already several books in”. 

Antony John did not start out as an author. In fact, he studied classical music and received a Bachelor of Arts from Oxford University and a Doctorate from Duke University. It wasn’t until after his first child was born that he put a hold on teaching at universities and began writing. Though his first novel was not a success, Mr. John said it taught him a great deal about what not to do. Mr. John has authored eight Young Adult (YA) novels since. 

According to Director Pratt, "It was such an amazing experience from start to finish.  Collaborating with the schools to finding just the right author and a good time to schedule it, to reaching out to Antony John and finding that he was available, to pulling it together for a successful day enjoyed by so many students and families.  This was a first author visit for me at the Library.  CVMS and the High School hadn't had a visit in over five years.  The kids at all ages were very excited to experience this and really engage with Mr. John.  It was an exceptional community effort." 

This event is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.

Photo Credit- Pam Cole