About This Lesson
This lesson invites middle school students to explore the inspiring story of Mary Pope Osborne, author of the beloved Magic Tree House series. Through an interactive mini-lesson and collaborative group work, students will learn how Osborne’s childhood imagination, creative process, and passion for literacy shaped her career as a children’s author and global literacy advocate.
Using excerpts from a Share My Lesson keynote webinar, students will work in small groups to investigate one key theme from Osborne’s life: her imaginative upbringing, the creation of the Magic Tree House, reactions from young readers, her classroom support efforts, or the global and cultural reach of her books. Each group will analyze Osborne’s words, discuss what inspired her, and reflect on how her journey can influence readers today.
This lesson supports reading comprehension, speaking and listening, collaboration, and personal connection to text. It’s designed to spark curiosity and appreciation for authors while reinforcing the joy and power of reading.
