SJS Brings Books to Life at Mav Literary Fest

The multi-day celebration kicked off with discussions by three New York Times best-selling authors: Matthew Cordell, Jasmine Warga, and SJS alumna Katherine Arden ’06.

 

Cordell, whose recent works include Evergreen and 102, engaged with Lower School students with a hands-on illustrating activity. Cordell is the recipient of the 2018 Caldecott Medal for his illustrated book Wolf in the Snow, which spent a resounding 42 weeks on the New York Times children’s picture book list after its publication.

 

Warga, recipient of the 2020 John Newbery Honor, shared her stories with students and families in a morning presentation in Lowe Theater. Her works include The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan and A Rover’s Story. Warga’s middle grade novels have been listed as best books of the year by outlets such as NPR, The Washington Post and Publishers Weekly.

 

Arden ’06 shared her insights with both Middle and Upper School students. Arden is the author of 10 books including The Winternight Trilogy, The Small Spaces Quartet, The Warm Hands of Ghosts, and The Unicorn Hunters. In a panel interview during the Upper School assembly, Arden discussed her writing process, how her language studies in French and Russian have shaped her works, and the important role that hands-on research plays in her writing. SJS Review editors Amina Khalil-Zegar ’27, Ella Hughes ’27, and Bella Dodig ’27 conducted the on-stage interview.

 

When asked how her experience at SJS influences her work as an author, Arden summed it up with one word: “Tenacity. When you are a writer, there is no one standing by to keep you on a schedule and ensure you meet your deadlines. St. John’s instilled a work ethic in me that I rely upon to this day to keep me motivated in the writing process.”

 

In addition to speaking during Upper School assembly and visiting with Middle School students, Arden led classroom discussions in Upper School English classes, exploring the quintessential elements of storytelling.

 

When reflecting on the annual event, Upper School Head Librarian Suzanne Webb said Mav Literary Fest celebrates stories in all their forms.

 

“Whether through fiction, free verse, or picture books, the SJS librarians and visiting authors encourage students to explore new ideas and appreciate the many ways people express themselves,” she said. “SJS alumna Katherine Arden ’06, makes this year's festival especially meaningful. During the assembly, her message to the Upper School students was that life is more than just focusing on the milestones ahead; it is also about taking time to explore who they are and what makes them happy, which is what gives life meaning. This message was warmly received, especially in the midst of our very busy season.” 

 

Lower School Librarian Marie Matter noted that the day unites the entire campus around the shared love of literacy.

“Mav Literary Fest is an incredible day for our whole community to come together to celebrate books and reading,” she said. “It's truly a joy-filled day from top to bottom, including book character costumes, book-inspired activity stations, author presentations, and writing workshops. The excitement in the air is palpable!”

 

In Lower School, students were invited to dress as their favorite book character and engage in games and activities themed around books. Students also enjoyed a special lunch, a book swap, and Mav Literary Fest booklets. Parent volunteers joined in on the fun, assisting at activity stations and sporting their own book character attire.

 

In Middle School, students spent the instructional day enjoying classic D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) time, playing word games such as Bananagrams, Scrabble, and Literary Jeopardy!, and crafting bookmarks and rock poetry. 

 

SJS extends its deepest appreciation to our visiting authors, librarians, and Parents Guild volunteers for their contributions to the celebration. A special thank you to Mav Literary Fest chairs Travis Johnson and Jamie Goeres for their work in leading the event.