Well-published author, Mary Casanova, visited Luverne Elementary School last Thursday, Oct. 29.

Her husband, Charles, made the nine-hour drive with her  from their home in Northern Minnesota to  Luverne, visiting with elementary classes and manning the book table.

Casanova told the students that authors like her should “write what they know.” Being a Minnesota native, Mary sets a majority of hers in Minnesota and “illustrates with words” the characteristics of the state.

She pursued a writing career out of college and knew she wanted to be a children’s author after reading Gary Paulsen’s “The Hatchet.”

She has written children’s literature for the past 20 years.

Her book awards include: American Library Association "Notable," Aesop Accolades by the American Folklore Society, Parents' Choice "Gold" Award, Booklist Editor Choice, and two Minnesota Book Awards. Her books frequently land on state children's choice book master lists across the country. "The greatest reward for me," Casanova states, "is when a young reader tells me she or he loves one of my books. For me, it's all about communicating writer-to-reader through a character and story."

For more information about Mary and her work or to contact her, visit www.marycasanova.com