Welcome to the Montera Middle School Library

Celebrated Graphic Novelists to Visit Montera!

We are excited to host an author visit for Montera's 6th grade on Thursday, February 22! Students will be treated to a lively discussion about graphic novels with three amazingly talented and local authors, artists, and best friends Gene Luen Yang, Thien Pham, and Briana Loewinsohn


Gene Yang is the author of multiple award-winning graphic novels including (but not limited to!) the following books:


American Born Chinese (yes -- the TV show is based on this book!)

Lunar New Year Love Story (just released this year and already earning rave reviews!)

Dragon Hoops (featuring local high school Bishop O'Dowd and a shout out to Montera -- and too many awards to list in this email!)


Thien Pham is an art teacher at Bishop O'Dowd High School and is the author of the memoir Family Style, a heartfelt story about his immigration to the United States from Vietnam and finding his way in a new country and culture. Family Style received rave reviews and made it onto several prominent "Best of 2023" lists.


Briana Loewinsohn is the chair of the Visual Arts Department at Bishop O'Dowd High School, a Montera parent, and the author of Ephemera, a moving memoir about the author's relationship with her mother who suffers from mental illness. 


If you want to purchase copies of any of these books to support these fantastic authors, you can order them in advance from our local independent bookstore A Great Good Place for Books using this Order Form and the authors will sign them for you. Mrs. Rogers, Montera Librarian, will arrange for delivery or pick up of any purchased books after the event.


Although you might share our excitement about these authors visiting Montera, please keep in mind that this event is intended just for students. Thank you.


Please feel free to email Mrs. Rogers with any questions at margaret.rogers@ousd.org.

Read online with SORA

What is Sora? Sora is an app that lets you access books and eBooks from the school library and public library through your laptop, phone or tablet.

View a slideshow about how to get started here

Watch a video about how to get started here

Fill out this Google Form to let Mrs. Rogers know what you are reading. Do you want a book recommendation from her? Click here and let her know!