Big News in Nouakchott: 100-Book Author Visits 70-Student School

Bruce Coville and some young fans (photo: F. Walsh/AISN).

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How do you make a mud puddle in the desert? Add an internationally celebrated author such as Bruce Coville to a small, international school in Mauritania; mix well. But be careful… you might produce the next generation of Newbery Medal winners!

The American International School of Nouakchott (AISN) hosted American author Bruce Coville for two days in February. Visiting authors are not uncommon for international schools, but it was a first for AISN, with an enrollment of just under 70 students!

During his visit Mr. Coville mesmerized, entertained, and shared his tips for writing with students from Pre-K through Grade 12 and beyond, as a teacher and master storyteller. AISN also reached out to the greater Nouakchott community, and shared this wonderful experience with groups of local students including from the French Lycée F. T. Monod and from programs supported by the U.S. Embassy.

Mr. Coville met the challenge of addressing these diverse groups flawlessly. A highlight of his message was his dynamic demonstration of how to craft a story based on the sentence, “A boy fell in a mud puddle.” As we witnessed the metamorphosis, it became evident why 101 of Mr. Coville’s books have been published!

AISN was able to host Bruce Coville with the help of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) Visiting Author Program.

Mr. Walsh is Director of AISN; visit http://www.aisnmauritania.com.

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05/03/2013 - Dianna
Leave it to the Walshes to organize a wonderful event like this. Well done!

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