Classroom Happenings: Visiting Author Sarah Sax

Spartans in grades 3-5 were inspired when they met author Sarah Sax, who visited campus on October 9. Ms. Sax is the author of the graphic novels “Picture Day,” “Tryouts,” and “School Dance.” 

In the Lora M. Robins Theatre, the popular author told students that her love of writing and drawing began when she was in fifth grade and wrote a graphic novel called “Plumpy Flumpy Hamster” for a school assignment. 

“I have always felt connected to animals,” said Ms. Sax, who grew up with hamsters and cats, and who now lives with three cats and a dog. “I loved ‘Garfield’ comics and always wanted to draw just like that!” In Middle School, she fell in love with anime (hand-drawn and computer-generated animation) and manga (Japanese comics and graphic novels). 

Ms. Sax studied animation in college (and joined the circus as a juggler!), and a year-long college capstone assignment to create an animated short film turned out to be a pivotal point in her life. 

“Thanks to that experience, my confidence grew,” she told students. “If anything helps you improve your drawing, it’s creating 5,000 drawings for an animated feature!”

The writing process, said Ms. Sax, can be long and challenging … and she loves it. She starts with an outline, pondering a story’s location, scenes, emotional components, and characters. Then she begins sketching.

“The goal is to get the rhythm of the book,” she shared. Adding dialogue and researching details about a storyline are also important parts of the writing process — and so are gaffes. Using special nib-topped pens and pots of ink can lead to mistakes, “but I like working with the mistakes as they happen,” she said encouragingly. “Inking can be very meditative.” 

Ms. Sax told students that writing books is a collaborative effort. A copy editor, colorist, designer, and editor work with her on each book to make sure story lines make sense, illustrations are engaging, and book covers appeal to young readers. 

Lower School Librarian Carlee Smith helped organize Ms. Sax’s visit by partnering with local bookstore bbgb, which arranged for signed copies of her books for students who wanted them. 

“Author visits add a meaningful dimension to students’ reading experience,” said Ms. Smith. “Students gain insight into an author’s writerly world and come away more inspired than ever to explore the wonders of reading, writing, and art. We are so thankful to Ms. Sax for enriching our Spartans’ education!”