Are You Famous?

I've been doing a lot of substitute teaching this year. As an author of children's books, I've found this to be a great way to observe what young people (preschool through high school) are reading as well as how they interact with their world.

Having said that, I must add that being a sub is a tough way to make a few bucks. I was at the local public library yesterday and happened across a book entitled, "Thirteen Ways to Sink a Sub." I don't know that I've encountered that many types of sabotage, but...it's a jungle out there.

When I substitute I often ask the students what they think I do when I'm not substitute teaching. Their responses include "Take care of grandchildren" (Yes, I do that but what else?) and "You're a librarian." (No, not a librarian.) When I tell them that I write children's books, it's fun to see their reaction. The younger students will inevitably look over at their classroom bookshelf before asking, "Which books have you written?"

One of my favorite responses is: "Are you famous?" (No, I'm definitely not famous.) In one second grade class, the "Are you famous?" question was followed by: "Can I have your autograph?" I told the youngster that that was the first time I've been asked for my autograph and yes, I'd give him my autograph. He proceeded to rip off a corner of his math worksheet and hand it to me to sign. By the end of the day, several others in the class had likewise received autographs written on little torn-off pieces of paper.

Of all the things that I do, including substitute teaching, I believe writing children's books is right up there on the top of the stack.