Schroeder Hosts Bestselling Author in Unique Interdisciplinary Event

On November 13, Webster Schroeder High School hosted Printz Honoree and New York Times bestselling author Julie Berry, author of If Looks Could Kill.

Berry's presentation, titled "Focus the Lens, Focus the Story: How Journalism and Jack the Ripper Shaped the Urban Evolution of the American Dream," offers students a unique, interdisciplinary look into her creative process.

During her talk, Berry delved into the rigorous research that led to her weaving Medusa mythology into a historical novel set in the late 1880s. She examined the gritty East Side and East End of two of the world's great commercial centers, New York and London, and discussed her choice to place infamous figures like Jack the Ripper and Medusa in the crowded warrens of both cities. This event is a unique interdisciplinary opportunity designed to nurture students' identities as readers, researchers, and creators.

Berry’s assembly-style presentation was followed by a "lunch and learn" event sponsored by the Webster Schroeder Library Club, where student writers enjoyed the special opportunity to engage with the author, asking her about her writing process and journey to getting published.