FEb. 16, 2025: Two School Author Visits

This week was my monthly School Author Visit Day.  A day in which I take a personal day from my real job (teaching), to visit schools and classrooms and put on my author-hat to chat with the students about reading, writing, and history.

I had two scheduled, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. One was a public school, one a private school. At one visit I chatted with over 175 students in an auditorium.  In the other, a small group in their classroom. One school was located in a suburban area, the other, downtown.

For all the differences, there were so many more similarities.   As I chatted and laughed with both groups, it was so clear that kids, no matter where they are or what school they attend, have so much in common.  

Kids love books.  Even reluctant readers will get excited about a book if the story is good and they feel a connection.

Kids enjoy humor. A smile, a giggle, or even a head shaking in agreement can put them into a relaxed state where they can really open up.

Kids are curious. They wonder all the time and they love the chance to ask some of those questions.

Kids appreciate honesty. Even if it is sharing tough stuff. They can handle it.

Kids are not afraid of a challenge. They understand that most things are not easy, and they step up when they need to.

Being both a teacher and a children’s book author, my life is filled with, centered on, and anchored in kids.

I am one lucky person!