Noted author visits Sisters Middle School

The students at Sisters Middle School were delighted to find out that one of their favorite authors, Margaret Peterson Haddix, would be making a personal appearance at their school on March 4.

Margaret Haddix is an award-winning author, a mother, and an inspiration to kids everywhere. Deidre Kanzig, sixth grade teacher, was particularly excited for the students, as "it is a fabulous opportunity for students. It might inspire them to write their very own books!"

Though Haddix has written over 20 books for teens, the locals especially enjoy "Double Identity" (which was read by last year's fifth grade), and "Just Ella," a Cinderella spin-off tale.

Connor Gellings, 11, was one of the many students who "liked the twist on prissy little Cinderella."

When asked of her own favorites, Haddix said, "If I could only publish three books, it would be the most popular, so 'Just Ella,' 'Running Out of Time,'and 'Among the Hidden.'"

Haddix told all the students about her books during an afternoon assembly. She discussed how she got ideas for stories, the plot of her books, and many upcoming novels.

Many kids were already big fan of Haddix's writing. Maya Weiland, sixth grader, explained that Haddix's books "described everything nicely, it makes you want to read more."

Her books involve old ladies in the bodies of teenagers, a clone of a dead sibling, and hypnosis. Haddix even admitted that "I wouldn't want to be any of my characters because I put them through such situations!"

Born in a small Ohio town, Washington Courthouse, Haddix was born and raised in a hard-working family, but her big dreams took her to report for the Indianapolis News. She married husband Doug, and began raising her two children, Meredith and Connor. Her first book, "Running Out of Time," was inspired by a day on the job as a reporter.

Haddix was very excited to visit Sisters Middle School and stated that she "jumped at the request to come. I love smaller towns."

Margaret was also very impressed by "how friendly everyone was, and the big readers."

On March 5, the author hosted a writer's workshop and clinic through the Deschutes Public Library system.