Creative Author Study Project Ideas for Elementary and Middle School

When it comes to nurturing a love for reading and writing in young learners, few tools are as powerful as an author study project. It goes far beyond just reading a book—it invites students to step into the world of an author, understand their inspirations, trace their journey, and connect more deeply with the stories they’ve written.

Author studies are perfect for elementary and middle school classrooms because they mix reading comprehension, research skills, creative writing, art, and presentation—while allowing students to form a personal connection with literature. Best of all, they’re flexible. Whether your students are devouring Mo Willems or diving into J.K. Rowling, author studies can be adapted for all reading levels and interests.

But how do you take the classic author study beyond posters and book reports? That’s where this blog comes in.

Below, we’ll explore creative, hands-on, and fun author study project ideas that will bring books to life for your students. Whether you’re teaching in a traditional classroom or leading a homeschool co-op, you’ll find fresh inspiration to get kids reading, writing, and thinking like real authors.

What Is an Author Study?

An author study is a focused exploration of one author’s life, work, writing style, and impact. Students typically read multiple books by the same author and analyze themes, characters, voice, and artistic choices.

But an author study is more than just reading and responding. It can include:

• Researching the author’s background
• Exploring common themes and genres
• Comparing books by the same author
• Writing fan letters or interview questions
• Creating projects inspired by the author’s work

Done right, author studies can boost literacy, build critical thinking, and encourage empathy by helping students understand the people behind the pages.

Why Are Author Studies Important?

Author studies are popular for good reason. Here are a few key benefits:

1. Deepens Reading Comprehension

Students learn to notice patterns, themes, and styles across multiple books.

2. Increases Engagement

Kids connect more deeply with books when they learn about the person who wrote them.

3. Encourages Critical Thinking

Students begin to ask deeper questions: Why does the author always write about friendship? How does their life influence their stories?

4. Supports Diverse Learning Styles

Visual learners can create posters or videos. Writers can journal. Speakers can present projects aloud. Everyone gets a chance to shine.

5. Celebrates Reading as a Community

An author study can unify a class or grade level around shared books, building a culture of literacy.

How to Choose an Author for Study

When picking an author for your project, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose someone age-appropriate (no horror writers for second graders!)
• Look for authors with a strong body of work – at least 3-5 books
• Select authors who are accessible – videos, interviews, or websites help students connect
• Include diverse voices – authors of different backgrounds, languages, and life experiences
• Let students choose when possible – giving options boosts ownership and engagement

Some popular choices for elementary and middle school include:

• Elementary: Mo Willems, Kevin Henkes, Patricia Polacco, Dr. Seuss, Ezra Jack Keats, Jane Yolen
• Middle School: Judy Blume, Jacqueline Woodson, Louis Sachar, Rick Riordan, R.J. Palacio, Sharon Creech

Creative Author Study Project Ideas

Now, let’s get into the good stuff—creative, fun, and educational author study ideas that go beyond the typical report.

1. Author Time Capsule

Ask students to create a time capsule that includes items representing the author’s life and stories. It might include:

• A small book with fun facts about the author
• Mini props from one of the stories
• A fake newspaper clipping of a big life event (e.g., “Author Wins Newbery Medal!”)
• A note from the author to future readers

Let students present their capsules to the class like museum curators!

2. “In the Author’s Shoes” Diary Entry

Have students write a first-person diary entry as the author during an important time in their life—maybe the day their first book got published or a day they felt discouraged as a writer.

This is a great way to practice empathy and connect historical facts with emotional insight.

3. Character Parade

Choose an author with multiple beloved characters (like Mo Willems or Dav Pilkey). Students can dress up as characters, create masks, or make paper puppets.

Have a classroom “parade of characters,” where each student introduces themselves in character and describes what makes their story unique.

4. “Inspired By…” Creative Writing Challenge

After reading several books by the same author, ask students to write their own short story in the author’s style.

For example:

• Try rhyming like Dr. Seuss.
• Use animals as characters like Jan Brett.
• Write realistic fiction with a twist like Louis Sachar.

They can then illustrate a cover and read it aloud to the class or family.

5. Book-to-Book Comparison Charts

Have students pick two or three books by the same author and compare them using a fun chart or infographic.

Encourage them to notice:

• Recurring themes (friendship, bravery, identity)
• Similar character types
• Story structures
• Settings and illustrations

They can use Venn diagrams, flipbooks, or even digital slides to show their thinking.

6. Author Interview Roleplay

Let students become interviewers or reporters and pretend they’re hosting a podcast or TV segment with the author.

One student acts as the author, and the other asks thoughtful questions like:

• What inspired your most famous book?
• How did you feel when it became a bestseller?
• Which character do you relate to the most?

Bonus points for costumes and microphones!

7. Literary Timeline

Create a visual timeline of the author’s life and career. Include:

• Their birth and childhood events
• Important book release dates
• Awards or recognitions
• Photos, sketches, or book covers

Display timelines on the classroom wall for a literary gallery walk.

8. “Fan Mail” Letters to the Author

Students write heartfelt letters to their chosen author. Encourage them to:

• Share what they love about their books
• Ask thoughtful questions
• Thank the author for inspiring them

You can even try sending real letters through the author’s website or publisher—many authors respond!

9. Author Book Trailer

Use simple tools like iMovie, Canva, or Google Slides to let students create a book trailer for one of the author’s stories.

They can record their voice, add music, include quotes, and create original artwork to promote the book.

This project is perfect for tech-savvy students who love digital storytelling.

10. Author Awards Ceremony

Host a classroom “Author Awards” day. Categories might include:

• “Best Characters”
• “Most Magical Setting”
• “Most Laugh-Out-Loud Story”
• “Most Inspirational Life Story”

Each student can write a short speech and explain why their chosen author deserves the award. Hand out DIY certificates or mini trophies!

Author Study in Action: Sample Week-Long Plan

Need a quick-start guide? Here’s how you can structure a week-long author study:

Day 1: Introduce the author

• Read a book aloud
• Watch a video interview or explore their website
• Begin research

Day 2: Dive into the books

• Read another book (independent or group)
• Start comparison chart or reading log

Day 3: Begin project work

• Choose from character parade, book trailer, letter writing, etc.

Day 4: Project creation

• Draft, design, or rehearse presentations

Day 5: Author celebration

• Present projects, host the awards show, and reflect

Tips for Successful Author Studies

To make your project smooth and meaningful, try these teaching tips:

• Provide book options – Include print, audio, or graphic versions so all readers can engage.
• Use journals – Let students track insights, favorite quotes, or questions as they read.
• Incorporate multiple subjects – Math (timeline), art (illustrations), writing (essays), speaking (presentations).
• Keep it student-led – Let students vote on which author to study or which project to complete.
• Celebrate creativity – Display work, record videos, or invite parents to presentations.

Expanding the Author Study Beyond the Classroom

Here are a few ways to make your author study even more impactful:

1. Invite a Guest Author

Many children’s and middle-grade authors do virtual visits or Q&A sessions. It’s a magical experience for kids to meet a “real” writer!

2. Host a Book Fair or Reading Challenge

Tie in your author study with a reading week. Challenge students to read 3 books by the author and earn badges or rewards.

3. Library or Bulletin Board Display

Let students design a class display about the author’s life, books, and student artwork.

Final Thoughts: Building Lifelong Readers Through Author Studies

Author studies are more than just classroom activities—they’re windows into creativity, empathy, and curiosity. When students explore the life and work of an author, they begin to understand that books are not just made—they’re dreamed, crafted, edited, and loved into existence.

For elementary and middle school students, this connection can spark a deeper love of reading and even ignite the dream of becoming writers themselves.

Whether you use book trailers, timelines, puppet shows, or character parades, the key is this: make it personal, make it fun, and make it about discovery.

Because when a child connects with an author, they’re not just learning about someone else—they’re discovering their own voice.