West Essex Middle School Seventh Graders Skype with Author

West Essex seventh graders in Mr. Jim Massa's sixth period reading class participated in a Skype session with author Marc Aronson on Jan. 8.

 Aronson, a resident of Maplewood, is the author of many non-fiction young adult titles including "Trapped," which the students have just finished reading. Mr. Aronson spoke to students about researching non-fiction books and how he became a writer. Students also asked him questions. One student asked him if he had a favorite book and the author replied that he did not because "that would be like saying you had a favorite child." Mr. Aronson told students how he has children of his own and "tries to get them involved in the researching process" for his books and even takes them on research trips. He told students that "when you write non-fiction, it is like writing a symphony." He includes an overture and a rondo or a sonata.