Acclaimed Local Writer To Visit Quest

Quest is a community rich with talent. From the art that adorns our walls to the literature that inspires our students, we have terrific access to inspiration.

This month, Quest will host celebrated author, Padma Venkatraman. Padma has published several award-winning works of both fiction and non-fiction and will join our Elementary and Middle School classrooms to review her latest work, The Bridge Home and her previous novel, Climbing the Stairs.

In preparation for the visit, Upper Elementary began The Bridge Home as a read-aloud this month.  Students are exploring the culture of India, where the novel is set, and are using this unique visit to discuss what it means to live the life of a writer in Writer’s Workshops. This concept of becoming and being a writer is discussed extensively within these workshops and we are excited to have this unique opportunity to explore it further.

Middle School has devoted their recent English/Language Arts unit reading the historical fiction novel, Climbing the Stairs. Themes of nonviolent protest, gender roles, growing up, and cultural differences have been explored throughout the students seminar discussions. While working with the middle school, Padma will spend her time discussing the process of writing a book and how it connects to her own life. She plans to facilitate an activity exploring cultural differences, assist the students with an excerpt from the reader’s theater version of the book, and bring an art activity related to the novel. The middle school culinary manager will prepare a vegan lunch for Padma to enjoy with students.

We all are looking forward to her visit and appreciate her time greatly.