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‘Open Doors of Curiosity and Fascination’ Discover Historical Disasters, Epic Adventures With Bestselling Author Lauren Tarshis and SCLSNJ
About Blog Post
Oct 28, 2021
by Pressroom
Lauren Tarshis’ I Survived series is best known for taking readers on an exploration of real historical disasters and epic adventures through the eyes of a fictional child who “survived” the life-changing event.
On November 30 at 4:30 p.m., students in grades 2 and up will have the opportunity to virtually meet the New York Times bestselling author through a program hosted by the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ). During the program, Tarshis will connect with participants by sharing her experiences as a writer, and hosting a Q&A session.
“Books open doors of curiosity and fascination,” said Tarshis. “Without books, our world would be much less fascinating!”
The I Survived series was inspired by Tarshis’ son, a reluctant reader who said he wanted to read “a real story with a lot of action and a main character who’s a kid like me.” And, so, the epic, historical fiction I Survived series was born, spawning over 20 books, which have sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
“None of my four kids enjoyed reading when they were little, and it is so frustrating,” said Tarshis. “But I have come to realize that there are many ways for kids to learn, for those doors to be opened up for them. Audiobooks. Graphic novels. Podcasts. Videos. All of these can spark curiosity that might give kids a little nudge towards reading. And, by the way, all of my kids love to read today!”
The inclusive, diverse I Survived series is available in a variety of languages including English and Spanish; and a selection of titles are accessible in graphic novel and e-audiobook formats.
“I really do want every child to see themselves in my books,” said Tarshis. “I also want to write stories that unite people that remind us that no matter who we are or where we live, we are connected through shared values, like empathy, tolerance, and resilience. That really is the most important message I want to convey through my series.”
When writing stories for the I Survived series, the author calls her writing process “messy and chaotic.” She conducts her research by visiting museums and nearly every place she writes about; reading books, articles, and diaries; and interviewing history and science experts.
“I am constantly trying new techniques of outlining and planning,” Tarshis said. “But I discover my story by writing it. So, my process is characterized by writing draft after draft after draft, often starting from scratch, and writing, and rewriting until my character suddenly comes to life.”
“The I Survived series has been one of our most popular series since its debut in 2010,” said Laura Frantz, collection development librarian. “The books offer a great mix of history, action, and suspense. Having nonfiction counterparts and graphic novel versions furthers the series’ appeal and makes it accessible to a range of readers.”
Frantz continued, “Some of my go-to favorites in the series are the first book, which features the Titanic, and the second, which is a little bit closer to home since it covers the shark attacks in New Jersey.”
Explore SCLSNJ’s librarians’ favorite selections in the series:
- “I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018”
- “I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980”
- “I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916”
- “I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912”
- “I Survived True Stories: Five Epic Disasters”