Video Description: When Chicago-based writer Sam Weller met his literary hero Ray Bradbury in 2000, it was friendship at first sight. As Bradbury’s official biographer, he has since published four books connected to the iconic author, who died in 2012 at the age of 91. In this touching tribute, Weller talks about the enduring appeal of Bradbury’s work, including this year’s Maryville Reads pick, “Fahrenheit 451.”

• Provide the video for students who are reading a book by Ray Bradbury or have expressed an interest in his work. What insights into the author are gained from the interview? How do these insights influence their appreciation for Bradbury and his writing.
• Use the video in conjunction with a student activity that has them writing a short biography of an author of their own choice. What insights do they gain from the author and the discussion of the genre that they can use as they write their own biography?