As you read more books, you start to notice that certain authors write stories you especially enjoy. You might love how one author creates funny characters, how another builds exciting plots, or how another writes about feelings in a way that rings true. Following an author whose work you enjoy is one of the best ways to find your next great book.
After finishing a book you loved, note the author's name and look for other books by the same person. Compare two books by the same author -- what is similar about their style, characters, or themes? Create a list of your favorite authors and share it with a friend. Research an author and learn about how they got their ideas.
Authors are storytellers, and just like every person has their own way of talking and acting, every author has their own way of writing. This special way is called their style. When you read many books by the same author, you begin to recognize their fingerprint in the words—the jokes they make, the kinds of characters they create, and the feelings the stories give you.
Think of authors you might know: Dr. Seuss writes with bouncy rhymes and funny made-up words that make you smile. Roald Dahl writes about clever children who outsmart mean adults, often with dark humor. J.K. Rowling creates rich magical worlds with friendship and adventure. Once you have read one book by each, you could recognize their styles even if their names weren't on the cover.
Getting to know favorite authors is like making reading friends. When you find an author you love, you know their next book will probably make you happy too. You learn what to expect from them. You look forward to reading more of their work. You might even follow what they write next in your life. This is different from just reading random books—you are building a reading relationship.
You can keep a list of authors you like, the books they have written, and what you loved about them. This helps you remember which authors to pick when you want a funny book, or an exciting book, or a scary book. As your reading grows, you discover authors who match your tastes. You might get recommendations from friends or librarians and think, "Oh, that author writes like someone I already love!" This is how your reading life grows richer over time.
Topics in reflective domains aren't scored by quiz answers. Read, reflect, and mark when you've thought it through.