Dalton News

Sixth Graders Livestream with Award-Winning Author Caroline Lawrence

A highlight during the first week of Digital Dalton was the 6th grade’s livestream visit with award-winning author Caroline Lawrence who writes history-mystery stories for children. 
Every sixth grader has read at least one of this author’s 24-book series, The Roman Mysteries. Her passion for plotting combined with historical accuracy means her books are beloved by children and teachers alike. She has written dozens of stories set in the ancient world, especially the Roman Empire. Caroline says, “I want to know everything about the past: all the sounds, smells, sights, and tastes. And especially the exciting and surprising things. I write historical novels because nobody has invented a Time Machine.” Fittingly, her most recent series, The Time Travel Diaries, is about a London schoolboy who travels back in time to Roman London, Ancient Athens, and hopefully more!  
 
With the help of The American Classical League’s Excellence in Classics outstanding webinar lineup, the sixth graders paid a virtual visit to Caroline in her London flat. There they learned about her techniques for writing stories, had a view of the Thames, and even heard the Londoners cheering their first responders as we do in NY! Later, students reflected on their experience to the author: 
 
 “I found your livestream truly enlightening. Although I have only finished two of the Roman Mysteries (so far!), I already feel I know the characters well. It was so interesting to hear about them from your point of view, including their traits, elements, roles, etc. I also loved learning the backstories of your books, and where your ideas came from. It helped me appreciate the extraordinary ideas that can come out of normal everyday life. I love the enthusiasm with which you discuss your books! Your passion for writing is evident, and is inspirational to me, as I hope to write a book one day. To that end, I also found your seven steps to a plot incredibly helpful, and I have no doubt it will help me come up with my next storyline. Also, the sunset on the Thames was gorgeous! I live next to a river too — the East River in Manhattan is right outside my window. But I see the sunrise, not the sunset, because it’s East. Everyone cheers for healthcare workers here, too — it was so cool when you opened the window so we could hear it in London! Between the river and the cheering, I felt right at home. Thank you so much for this one-of-a-kind experience.” -Alexandra Wing '26
 
“Thank you so much for your wonderful Webinar! I love how you made a questionnaire about the humours (I am personally choleric), and I just can’t wait to read your new book about Socrates (shhh… TOP SECRET…)! By the way, I really like your window facing the river, and I was quite excited myself when I heard all the clapping! I want to become a writer when I grow up, and I do agree with you, it is pretty sweet to get paid for just sitting in your apartment and writing without a deadline! Because of that, I’m definitely going to read your book about writing tips, and who knows, maybe one day I will become a great writer because of that! Also, I’m currently reading The Thieves of Ostia, and I think it’s absolutely AMAZING!!! Your answers to the questions posed were brilliant, and my personal question is what is your Achilles’ heel? I’d really love to stay and chat, but I’ve got to go now.” -Sara Giovannone '26
 
“Thank you so much for the online author visit, it was so fun! I really enjoyed learning about how you write your books, and I think it will be very helpful in the future. I  also really enjoyed learning about all the fun characters that inspired the people in your book. I thoroughly enjoyed your book Sirens of Surrentum. I found it was exciting and intriguing. I also cannot wait for your new book to come out! I really loved learning about you and your passion for writing! I really enjoyed meeting you, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday. -Josie Hsieh '26
 
The students are also attending webinars on subjects like “Tastes of Ancient Rome” - a cooking class; a hair archaeologist, demonstrating ancient hairstyles, and "Life As a Kid in Ancient Roman". What a way to supplement our classical studies from afar!
            
Story submitted by Middle School English Teacher Ivy Leibowitz
 
Back
(Grades K-3) 53 East 91st Street
New York, NY 10128
General: (212) 423-5200 | Admissions: (212) 423-5463
General: info@dalton.org | Admissions: fpadmissions@dalton.org

(Gr. 4 Dalton East & PE Center) 200 East 87th Street
New York, NY 10128
General: (212) 423-5200 | Admissions: (212) 423-5262
General: info@dalton.org | Admissions: admissionsmshs@dalton.org

(Grade 5-12) 108 East 89th Street
New York, NY 10128
General: (212) 423-5200 | Admissions: (212) 423-5262
General: info@dalton.org | Admissions: admissionsmshs@dalton.org