A well-known childrens author, noted for her multicultural characters, will speak as part West Virginia Universitys Cultural Diversity Week Sept. 25-29.

Carolyn Meyer, author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books for young people, will be the WVU College of Human Resources and Educations author-in-residence as part of WVUs third annual Cultural Diversity Week activities.

The colleges Diversity Task Force Subcommittee on Childrens Literature invited Meyer because of her significant understanding of, and sensitivity toward, a wide range of ethnic groups and multicultural issues, said Elizabeth Poe, WVU professor of curriculum and instruction. .

“We have long been impressed with her diverse characters and her excellent portrayal of the issues often confronted by multicultural people,”Dr. Poe said.”We are very pleased that Carolyn Meyer will be part of this years Diversity Week activities.”

Many of her stories take place in contemporary Albuquerque, New Mexico; Denton, Texas, in the early 1920s; and Lancaster, Pa., in the 1920s, as well as contemporary Texas.

Some of her best known multicultural works include: Rio Grande Stories, White Lilacs, Jubilee Journey, Where the Broken Heart Still Beats, The Story of Cynthia Anne Parker, Gideons People, and Drummers of Jericho. Her books have been enjoyed my readers from fifth grade and up and used successfully in middle schools across the country.

Meyers most recent works of historical fiction have centered around the teen years of British and European royalty. Mary, Bloody Mary tells the story of Mary Tudor, Henry VIIIs first daughter, Isabel. Jewell of Castilla is about Queen Isabel when she was still a princess and Antastia: The Last Grand Duchess is about the Russian court in 1914. The last two books are a part of Scholastics Royal Diary series, a companion to their Dear America series.

On Monday, Sept. 25, Meyer will make a community presentation from 4-5 p.m. in Towers Gold Room entitled Embracing Diversity. She will also discuss how her books are developed. An autograph session and reception will follow.

On Tuesday, Sept. 26, she will present a 4-6 p.m. professional development workshop titled Interdisciplinary Projects and the Multicultural Literature of Carolyn Meyer in the Towers Gold Room.

Afterward, Dr. Poe will join Meyer in presenting ideas on how to use Meyers books across the curriculum.

Creating Historical Fiction is the title of a Wednesday, Sept. 27, talk as part of a Writers Workshop at the Morgantown Public Library. The workshop is designed for middle and high school students, but all aspiring authors are invited to attend. Meyer also will visit various WVU classes, in addition to her public presentations.

Meyer was born and raised in Lewistown, Pa. After graduating from Bucknell University, she moved to New York. She now lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has traveled around the world conducting research for her various works.

Her books will be available for purchase at a discount rate at each event and in 607 Allen Hall. For more information about Meyers visit, contact Dr. Poe, 304-293-4769, ext. 1334. To register for the professional development workshop, call Risa Moore, 304-293-3769, ext.1330.

Other activities planned in conjunction with WVU Cultural Diversity Week include a Women of Color Day presentation and luncheon, special lectures, a gospel choir presentation, a banner contest and more. For more information on Diversity Week, call 304-293-5496.