ADOPT-AN-AUTHOR TESTIMONIALS
(more available on www.AdoptAnAuthor.com)

Subj: ADOPT-AN-AUTHOR Program
Date: 4/22/01 7:43:10 PM Central Daylight Time
From: clark@netexp.net
English teachers,
I have used the novel MEG for four years with my tenth grade special education students. The book has its own reputation within my school because at the start of the school year my new students will ask me when I will "let" them read it! Many of my students are reluctant readers and have little interest in books, so trying to find exciting and interesting books which appeal to them is always a difficult task. MEG certainly gets kids "hooked" on books. I have not had one students out of the 80 students in the past four years not love the novel. Attendance goes up and discipline issues go down during this unit. We research sharks, do a reader's theater, make dioramas from our favorite scenes, learn a little science, discuss conflict, analyze characters, communicate with the author through our written letters (which he answers each one personally), have fun on the interactive web site, and argue over who gets to update the class on where we left off! The excitement and enthusiasm is overwhelming while we read this novel.
I think my students have said it better than I ever could with their own
personal comments.
"I got really interested in the book and went to the library and checked out the book and read it on my own time." Ryan B.
"Thank you for writing this book. It was one of the best books I have ever read."
--Nicole Agullana
"I loved this book so much that I read ahead of the class and Mrs. Clark told me not to tell anyone what would happen next. We did some fun activities to go with the book too."
--Bryanne Grady
"My mom and dad thought I had gone crazy one night when they came in my room and saw me r-e-a-d-i-n-g! They had never seen that before!" -- Jennifer Atwood
I have continued to keep MEG in the fore-front of my literature program by reading TRENCH (the sequel to MEG) as a read-aloud. Reading MEG and seeing the book change attitudes and misconceptions about literature reminds me of why I wanted to be a teacher. The satisfaction I feel as a teacher is as exciting as the enjoyment my students receive from the book. The book was the answer to my "sluggish" curriculum.
--Ellen Clark, Intervention Specialist, Worthington Kilbourne High School,Columbus, Oh

Subj: Kudos!
Date: 2/8/02 2:54:12 PM Central Standard Time
From: rzurich@bdsd.k12.wi.us (Ruth Zurich)
Dear Mr. Alten,
When I took you up on your offer to participate in the Author in the Classroom project last year, I was merely hopeful that you could inspire my many reluctant readers. Mission accomplished! I assigned students to read a science fiction book. When I said that the science fiction book needed to be read by Feb. 18, I heard weeping and gnashing of teeth, wails of "I CAN'T!" etc. I assigned them to read the first 15 pages of MEG and the first 15 pages of Jurassic Park. Thirty of my 49 seniors chose your book, absolutely hooked on it from page 1. Most had finished the book within a week's time; they were disappointed in the ending--they wanted to know what happened to "that guy." I said, "Well, you'll have to read the sequel, I guess." "There's a sequel?!!!! I'm buying it tonight. What is it?" So a number of them will buy Trench and start reading something independent of an assignment! That will be the first time they've done so they tell me. The kids in this class are weak readers who have been stymied by the conventional classics. Let's face it, the language of The Scarlet Letter is intimidating to say nothing of the themes and moral of the book.
They are currently engaged in a research report, investigating the scientific elements underlying the novel. They can research whatever pleases them as long as it's something connected to the book. They had questions--what is Alvin? What is the Mariana Trench? Could such a creature really survive? etc.
Go find out! I just thought you'd like one more feather in your cap! You deserve it for helping me to create life-long readers (I hope). I've used your book to launch investigations into book reviews, scientific research, writing skills needed for reports, geography (since they have to locate a map of the Mariana Islands), etc. It's been invaluable. Even more valuable, they have NOT complained. Thanks and you will be hearing from them, --Ruth Zurich, Brown Deer High School--Brown Deer, Wisconsin

Subj: Progress Report
Date: 10/15/01 8:28:28 AM Central Daylight Time
From: dochou@bbs.fkchs.sad27.k12.me.us (Donald Chouinard)
As I write this letter, my students sit quietly before me reading MEG. I had set aside this period for a discussion of the events so far (they had to read to pg. 114), but when I mentioned that, they begged me to allow them to simply read. In the spirit of Teen Read Week, I agreed. It's remarkable. They are really enjoying the novel - some have even written to you. We have reserved the library for our next class period. They will be researching topics they want to know more about (in relation to Meg). We're going to make a bulletin board with what they find. Very rewarding teaching experience. The students are extremely enthusiastic about this! --Don Chouinard Eng. Teacher, Ft. Kent Community H.S., Ft.Kent, ME.

Subj: From a Student
Date: 6/15/01 10:03:03 PM Central Daylight Time
From: WUZZUP729
Dear Steve Alten,
I love your Meg series. Meg and Trench were the first books I have ever enjoyed reading. I am 15 and I am diagnosed with A.D.D. I have trouble reading for long periods of time because I lose interest easily. That did not happen while I was reading these books. They have truly been my favorite books of all time. Thank you.-- Jonathan Moody

Subj: letter to Author
Date: 9/26/02 11:43:55 AM Central Daylight Time
From: mlinz2003@hotmail.com (Michael Lindsay)
Hi, my name is Michael Lindsay and I am a student at George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science. I have recently enjoyed a wonderfully put together book called "MEG". I thought when I had to read the book as a summer assignment that I wouldn't like it one bit, all based on past books.
I just wanted to write you and tell you that you inspire me. I say that you inspire me because this shows that a kid from the inner-city of Philadelphia just like can do something as big as you have. I look forward
to more books from you. -- Michael Lindsay

Subj: THANK YOU!
Date: 10/11/02 10:14:39 AM Central Daylight Time
From: SalustriN@NBPS.ORG (Salustri, Nancy)
Dear Mr. Alten:
You just spoke to the 6th graders at North Broward Preparatory Schools. The kids are thrilled at your presentation. I am one of the science teachers, and I gave them an assignment that I thought would go along with your presentation. The students had to describe a cataclysmic occurrence that changes the earth's environment, and describe how one species would adapt to the changes. I have not seen them so excited about a writing assignment in ages. I was going to collect it at the end of the period, but so many of them asked if they could continue to work on it over the weekend - I certainly agreed to that!
Thank you so much for such an enjoyable presentation! It meant so much to the kids - and to the teachers! --Dr. Nancy C. Salustri, Middle School Science, North Broward Prep.

Subj: Thank you!
Date: 9/2/02 4:03:36 PM Central Daylight Time
From: pcruise@sdc.org (pcruise)
I heard you on "Coast to Coast" radio and went out and ordered MEG for my 12 year old son who hates to read. It took about a month of coaxing him to get him to read it long enough to get into it--but when he did...it was great! He's now reading The Trench and wanting me to get Goliath. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! --Peggy Cruise

Subj: Thank You!!
Date: 1/3/02 10:28:51 PM Central Standard Time
From: JerryandTonjia@msn.com (Jerry and Tonjia Potts)
Mr. Alten,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your responses to my students this past fall. Some of their questions were so repetitive and basic that I know you must have gone out of your mind; however, you never made any of them feel awkward for their questions. That's quite a feat. Again, I thank you for letting me know about this program. My students really enjoyed reading the book, and their excitement has spurred many of my juniors and seniors to read MEG as well. Many of them begged me to get the librarian to order the Accelerated Reading test for Trench. This has been done, so at least a dozen of them asked for the second novel for Christmas. Although most of my students this year were already avid readers, MEG still took them to a place that they had never been. This is not the type of novel that they would have normally chosen, and they are excited about the prospects of a whole new genre to explore.
You really helped make this semester a success, and that is saying something with 30 students crammed into one classroom for 90 minutes a day. I certainly hope to be able to continue this program with my sophomores in the future. --Tonjia Potts, Hampshire School, Hampshire, Tennessee

Subj: School visit
Date: 10/11/02 8:31:26 AM Central Daylight Time
From: MosleyT@NBPS.ORG (Mosley, Tina)
Mr. Alten,
You were so awesome!!! The kids and the faculty loved it. It takes a lot of talent to keep their attention that long. Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to come in and speak. You just acquired 200 new middle school fans! Thanks again! Sincerely, Tina Mosley

Subj: Just finished Domain - Very excellent!
Date: 10/20/02 10:42:45 PM Central Daylight Time
From: lostmindbrbin10min@yahoo.com (Jay)
Mr. Alten,
I was sitting in 11th grade American Lit. a few weeks ago and my teacher had a book sitting on her
desk. I picked it up and looked at it. Reading the words, "IT'S THE BEGINNING OF THE END," I instantly became hooked. I took the book and sat at my desk, reading what it was about. I came to the conclusion that I had to read it. Later that day at home, I asked my dad to buy it for me. So, we went to Barnes & Noble and bought it. On our way home, I started to read it. Over the next few weeks, I couldn't put it down, which caused me to get in trouble a few times in some of my classes. I stared to feel as if Dominique and Mick were actual people. I never read sci-fi. It's too boring for my fantasy-genre's taste, but I absolutely thought this was an awesome book. Thank you for writing it and, I can't wait till Resurrection comes out. --Jay

Subj: Adopt-An-Author Program
Date: 4/27/01 6:35:22 AM Central Daylight Time
From: cox_s@treca.org (Sue Cox)
I teach a Resource English class, 11th grade. We are just about finished with Meg. My juniors have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have read the entire book to them, aloud. Thank you! The FREE poster is also very impressive. It is hanging right above the table where we sit. A terrific program!–Sue Cox

Subj: Re: Hello from Texas!
Date: 10/22/02 9:56:51 AM Central Daylight Time
From: rlowe@coppellisd.com (Ramona Lowe)
Dear Steve,
My name is Tony Yacoub and I'm in the 9th grade here at Coppell High School. Mrs. Lowe (my English teacher) decided that as a class the first novel we should read would be Meg. At first, my classmates and I
decided this would be a boring thing to take up time during the day. After the first ten pages, I was hooked!!! Everyday for the past three weeks I have looked forward to my English class so I can find out Jonas' next step. Now that book is at an end! I have gone out and bought The Trench to read at home in my spare time. I did have a few questions though. Whatever happened to Heller? Last we heard from him he was pulled to "safety" in a boat, but later the boats were attacked. Secondly, I would like to know when the third book in the trilogy will be released. Hope to hear from you soon! Sincerely, Tony Yacoub

Subj: Adopt-An-Author Program
Date: 4/30/01 5:44:36 PM Central Daylight Time
From: cruhf@clevelandnet.net (Christopher L Ruhf)
I am an 8th grade English teacher and big fan of your novels. My students find your subject matter interesting and motivating. I am able to create an entire unit based on the ideas your books pose. My students were thrilled to actually get e-mail from such an exciting writer. You are awesome.
--Andrea Ruhf

Subj: Never liked to Read
Date: 7/5/01 4:21:02 PM Central Daylight Time
From: aggiejediman@alltel.net (SIEGE)
Mr. Alten, I am a huge fan of yours. I have read all 3 of your books and I love them. A couple years back when I was in seventh grade I wouldn't even touch a book. But then my friend (who never stops reading) showed me MEG (I have always been a shark lover). So I decided to read it. AND I LOVED IT! I kept on reading it over and over. So then I went on to DOMAIN and TRENCH and they were great. I can't wait for your next book. Keep up the good work.-- CHRIS

Subj: Your Books
Date: 9/4/01 4:05:03 PM Central Daylight Time
From: rwilkie@airmattress.com (Rob Wilkie)
I just wanted to drop you a note a tell your books are the best thing to happen to me in a long time. When I was younger I was labeled as Learning Disabled, basically nothing could hold my attention. A few years ago I read MEG and was so enthralled with it I could not put it down. I just recently finished Trench and love it as well. I never read so my wife was happy to see me enjoying something besides television. For the many hours of enjoyment you have given me thank you so much.--Robb Wilkie
Subj: Sr. Class
Date: 7/6/01 8:24:13 AM Central Daylight Time
From: jjohn4@kellnet.com (jjohn4)
Hello Steve. My name is Jim Johnson. I teach a Senior Modern Novel class at Brookside High School in Sheffield, Ohio. Meg is one of the hottest books I have. I've had to buy extra copies because of the demand by the kids. We've had great discussions concerning it and I just finished, The Trench, so I know I have another great one to spring on them. Just wanted to let you know you've written two very excellent books and my classes and I enjoy them very much. By the way, Angel is pregnant. Is there a sequel
coming? –Jim Johnson, Teacher, Brookside H.S., Sheffield, Ohio

Subj: STUDENT LETTER
Date: 5/3/01 5:43:26 PM Central Daylight Time
From: CDeVerna@textron.com (DeVerna, Christopher)
I ordered MEG from amazon this summer. I probably read it faster than any other book I've read before. MEG was so exciting to read that I just kept flipping the pages. I can honestly say that reading MEG, and learning about the possibility of a movie filled me with so much interest and anticipation. My girlfriend had to tell me numerous times to "shut up" because I kept talking about it with everyone (like an over excited little kid). One other interesting note. A high school friend of mine got a D.W.I. over the winter and was placed on house arrest. Anyway, this life-long friend doesn't read books very often (a giant understatement). I brought him the book when he was on house arrest, and predictably his response was somewhere along the lines of "yeah, right, well I don't think I'm gonna be reading any books." as he looked down at his Playstation and a stack of new games. However, his interest began to noticeably change as I told him about the book (again in my over-excited child like manner). Much to my surprise, he actually read the book, and to his surprise he couldn't put it down. Now we both share the same excitement.
--Chris DeVerna, Charlestown, RI

Subj: SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Date: 6/17/02 7:27:46 AM Central Daylight Time
From: rlowe@coppellisd.com (Ramona Lowe)
My summer school students are devouring Meg. They come in early and ask to read ahead--I've been working with some of these students for a year, and that is a first. Thanks so much for the book and for your Adopt-An-Author program. It's been a big part of our summer curriculum!--Ramona Lowe Coppell High School Coppell, TX