On Monday, May 4, Mayerthorpe High School hosted author, Jeff Ross, as part of TD Canada Book Week. Jeff is the author of five young adult novels published by Orca Books with two more novels set for release in 2015.

Jeff is an award-winning author: His novel, Powerslide, was given a Canadian Children’s Book Choice award and Dawn Patrol was voted a favorite by the Young Adults Library Services Association (YALSA) as a ‘Best book for Reluctant Readers.'  

"TD Canadian Children's Book Week is the single most important national event celebrating Canadian children's books and the importance of reading. Over 28,000 children, teens and adults participate in activities held in every province and territory across the country. Hundreds of schools, public libraries, bookstores and community centres host events as part of this major literary festival." (bookweek.ca)

Jeff Ross lives in Ottawa, Ontario where he teaches English and Script Writing for Video Games at Algonquin College.  

During his presentations he reiterated to students that hard work and accepting failure are keys to being successful. He had numerous books rejected before he was published, but learned from every rejection. Now, he sells books before he even begins the writing process.  

Each grade level received a different presentation. Grade 7 students saw "The Mystery Box," in which students were presented with the methods in which authors use mystery to move a story forward. 

Grade 8's were given "Everything I Know, I Learned from Skateboarding." Here, Jeff explains the process of writing in terms of multiple failures using the analogy of skateboarding. 

Grade 9 students listened to "The Story Circle." Jeff explained the story structure as to how character and plot are developed. The final presentation of the day, for Senior High students, "My Path to a Writer," had Jeff discuss his journey to becoming a published author. All of the presentations included readings from Jeff's novels including a chapter from the yet to be published Henry and the German. 

We would like to thank Canada Book Week for making this opportunity available for our students!  

Canadian Author Visits MHS!