Author Stacy McAnulty Visits BCSD Elementary Schools

Award-winning children's book author Stacy McAnulty, a Bethlehem Central High School graduate, visited all five elementary schools in the district last week to walk students through her writing process.

McAnulty told kindergarten through fifth-grade students how she gathers ideas from museum visits, everyday moments, art, and music. She explained how strong characters drive stories, using the Seven Dwarfs as inspiration when she created distinct personalities for each planet and ocean in her picture book series. Giving each subject its own voice makes complex topics more relatable to young readers.

She advised students to treat adverbs like salt—sprinkle thoughtfully, never pour. She urged them to choose strong verbs and be specific with descriptions, practicing "show, don't tell" in their writing.

McAnulty shared a turning point from her own time in the district. When she arrived as a fourth grader, she struggled with reading and hid it. Teachers discovered her difficulty, intervened, and helped her gain confidence and a lasting love for reading and writing. She encouraged students facing similar challenges to accept help.

Students learned the publishing process takes two to three years from manuscript to printed book. McAnulty explained that authors don't choose titles or cover art, though they approve the final versions. She typically gives illustrators creative freedom.

McAnulty also shared personal details: she's a mother to children and dogs, a Taylor Swift fan, and a Green Bay Packers enthusiast. She includes a recurring reference to Lin-Manuel Miranda in her book acknowledgments, hoping one day a student will tell him about it.

Before becoming an author, McAnulty worked as a mechanical engineer at B/E Aerospace, designing first-class airline seats and holding a co-patent. She now writes books for young readers that blend science, math, mystery, and adventure.

The district's media specialists and the elementary PTOs and PTAs at Eagle, Elsmere, Glenmont, Hamagrael, and Slingerlands elementary schools organized the visits.