Technology Connects Florida Middle Schoolers with Prominent Author in Latest Literacy League Podcast
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Technology Connects Florida Middle Schoolers with Prominent Author in Latest Literacy League Podcast
~ Author M.C. Finotti answers students' questions for her book "The Treasure of Amelia Island" ~TALLAHASSEE - Florida author and resident M.C. Finotti answers student questions about her book, "The Treasure of Amelia Island" in the latest podcast of the Florida Department of Education's Literacy League book club. The club continues to inspire future authors with the sixth installment of the series now available on the Department's new YouTube channel. This quarter, the interactive book club features the book inspired by one of Florida's popular destinations along the state's East Coast. "The Treasure of Amelia Island" won a 2009 award from the Florida Historical Society as the best book to teach students Florida history.
"Today's technology gives us unprecedented opportunities to connect students with authors who can inspire them and help grow their thirst for reading," said Education Commissioner John L. Winn. "We are thankful for Ms. Finotti's participation in Literacy League and for her willingness to share her insights on this award-winning book about Florida's history and geography."
The podcast features students asking many questions about the popular book, including, "Is the buccaneer treasure a real myth or did you invent it?" and, "Do you think it was right for Ana Jai to burn her plantation?" Ms. Finotti provides her insights into these questions and much more through the Literacy League podcast.
Ms. Finotti is a writer and journalist in Atlantic Beach. She grew up reading under the covers with a flashlight after her parents insisted she turn off her bed lamp and go to sleep. M.C. lives with her husband and two children, and when she's not writing she practices yoga and takes surfing lessons from her 11-year old daughter.
"I think it's so smart of the Florida Literacy League to reach out to middle schoolers about books in the exact place where they hang out ... in the technology world!" said Ms. Finotti.
Upcoming book selections include Zora and Me by Victoria Bond, with questions due from students by Oct. 31, and The Spy Who Came from the Sea by Peggy Nolan, with questions due from students by Jan. 30, 2012.
Throughout the year, the Department's Literacy League book club connects prominent authors with Florida middle school students through a podcast question-and-answer session about a featured book. To view the "The Treasure of Amelia Island" podcast, visit the Department's YouTube page at www.youtube.com/educationfl. For more information about the Department of Education's Literacy League, visit www.fldoe.org/literacyleague.