In honor of Read Across America Week, West End Elementary School fourth and fifth graders participated in a virtual meet and greet on March 4 with Culliver Crantz, author of the book series FrightVision. Organized by Heather LaBarbera, library media specialist, the fourth and fifth grade classes visited the school library throughout the day to speak with Mr. Crantz via Skype to learn about his life, his books and the writing process.
 
Mr. Crantz explained that his FrightVision series is for students who enjoy spooky stories. He shared why he decided to become an author and worked with the students to brainstorm a story together. Through their virtual conversation, the fourth and fifth graders learned about the book writing process and the key elements that every writer needs to make their story come to life. The students had fun getting creative with Mr. Crantz as they took turns sharing their ideas for a possible plotline and characters. It was a great way to not only give students a glance into the life of an author but to also encourage them to read and use their own imaginations to write their own unique stories.