Friends School Welcomes New York Times #1 Bestselling Author, Madeline Miller

In April 2026, Friends School of Baltimore welcomed New York Times #1 bestselling author Madeline Miller for a virtual visit with Upper School students. The event, hosted by the World Languages Department and supported by the Class of 1989 Visiting Scholars Endowed Fund, offered students an opportunity to engage directly with an acclaimed contemporary writer whose work brings classical literature into the modern world.

Miller met with students and faculty in two formats: a school-wide conversation and a smaller, in-depth discussion that allowed for more personal exchange. Across both sessions, students explored the relevance of ancient texts and the creative process behind reimagining them for today’s readers.

A scholar of classics, Miller earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Brown University. Her academic work has included study at the University of Chicago’s Committee on Social Thought and a focus on adapting classical texts in the Dramaturgy Department at Yale School of Drama. She has also taught and tutored students in Latin, Greek, and Shakespeare—experiences that continue to inform her writing.

Miller spent a decade crafting her debut novel, The Song of Achilles, an adaptation of the myth of the Trojan War. Published in 2011, the novel won the Orange Prize for Fiction (now the Women’s Prize for Fiction) in 2012 and has been translated into over 25 languages. Her second novel, Circe, published in 2018, became an instant #1 New York Times bestseller and was named one of the year’s best books by NPR, The Washington Post, Time, People, and others.

At Friends, the visit resonated with both Latin and non-Latin students, reflecting the School’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning and intellectual curiosity. Students came prepared with thoughtful questions, ranging from the value of studying Latin and classical literature to Miller’s path to becoming a writer, as well as the research and revision processes behind her work. The conversations highlighted how ancient stories continue to shape contemporary thought, an idea that aligns with Friends School’s emphasis on critical thinking, reflection, and dialogue.

The visit was made possible by the Class of 1989 Visiting Scholars Endowed Fund, a longstanding Friends School program that brings voices to campus each year. Established by the parents and friends of the Class of 1989, the fund supports visiting scholars across eight disciplines—physical education, fine arts, mathematics, world languages, history, science, English, and performing arts—to inspire in students the same enthusiasm for learning that distinguished the Class of 1989.

This year, the World Languages Department sought a speaker who exemplifies the real-world application of classical study. Upper School Latin teacher Stella Bowman recognized the opportunity for students to connect their study of ancient languages with contemporary storytelling. The result was a dynamic exchange that brought the classics to life in new ways.

Friends School’s Visiting Scholars program continues to reflect the School’s broader mission: to cultivate curiosity, foster meaningful connections, and engage students with ideas and individuals that expand their understanding of the world.

In May, Friends School will welcome another New York Times bestselling author, Pam Muñoz Ryan, who will speak with Lower and Middle School students—continuing a year of literary engagement across all divisions.