Lower School Author's Day will feature popular author Rafe Martin

Renowned author and storyteller Rafe Martin will be appearing at WSLS on Monday, April 28. Martin is the author of over 20 books and the recipient of three American Library Association Notable Book Awards, four Parent’s Choice Gold Awards, an American Folklore Society Aesop’s Accolade Award, several American Bookseller “Pick of the Lists,” an IRA Teacher’s Choice Award and many other awards of distinction. His work has been cited in “Time,” “Newsweek,” “U.S. News and World Report” and “USA Today.” The Women’s National Book Association has even honored him with their Lucile Micheels Pannell Award for his “unique creativity in bringing children and books together.”

Martin’s award-winning books can be pre-ordered as well as inscribed by Martin. Lower School students will also have the opportunity to see his words come to life as he presents three sessions to grades preschool through 2, 3 through 5, and 6 through 8 on April 28. Download an order form here.

Rafe was born in a snowstorm in New York City in 1946. The adventures of his childhood, many spent in treetops with a good story at hand, continued, launching him into a lifetime of dreaming and imagining. In sixth grade he discovered Moby Dick, and read it over and over; this led, years later, to his becoming the first student to graduate with Highest Honors in English from Harpur College (now Binghamton University), for his thesis on that book.

With an M.A. in English Literature and trained as a literary critic, Rafe left academia in 1969 and held a variety of odd jobs ranging from construction worker to substitute teacher. In 1974 he and his wife opened a bookstore, and in 1982 he became the first storyteller-in-residence for the Rochester City Schools. In 1983 he received the first Lucille Micheels Pannell Award from the Women’s National Book Association.

Rafe’s first book was published in 1984. Twenty others have followed since, with more appearing every year. Besides being an award-winning author, Rafe is also an internationally known storyteller; he has spoken or performed in nearly every state, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as in the International Schools of Japan.

Return to Sem News