Noting that readers of all ages seek out favorite authors, this book offers a model that encourages readers to respond aesthetically, biographically, and critically to an author's literature. At the heart of the book are four author studies that were implemented with children at various grade levels. These studies span the genres of picture storybooks, chapter books, and nonfiction. Featured authors include Avi, Joanna Cole, Carolyn Coman, and Mem Fox. Suggested author studies are also included for Kathryn Lasky, Patricia Polacco, and Mildred Taylor. Each study illustrates the interconnectedness of aesthetic, critical, and biographical response on the part of young readers and writers, and showcases the breadth and depth of their response. Based on the belief that the best author studies are those that unfold as children and teachers collaborate, each study finds its compass in the constructive powers of the young mind rather than in preplanned units. Illuminating the book are also the voices of the authors themselves who share their probing insight about author studies. Chapters in the book are: (1) The Allure of Authors; (2) Historically Speaking: The Place of Author; (3) Author Study as Multiple Response: Featured Author: Carolyn Coman; (4) Picture Book Author Study: Featured Author: Mem Fox; (5) Designing an Author Study; (6) Chapter Book Author Study: Featured Author: Avi; (7) Nonfiction Author Study: Featured Author: Joanna Cole; and (8) The Endless Possibilities of Author Studies. (Contains approximately 200 professional references and 87 references to works of children's literature.) (Author/RS)