A thanks to Henley Middle School
Last night I did a presentation at J.T. Henley Middle School in Crozet, Va, the middle school my kids go/went to, and the turnout was amazing. Two teachers have their students read my book (Going for the Record) as a part of their classroom curriculum. They also ask the students' parents to read the book along with their kids, and then at the end of the unit there is this author presentation they are invited to attend. The 7th grade teacher who started this a couple years ago, Chuck Miller, does a great job. He rearranges the whole library, drags a ton of chairs in there, buys cookies and drinks, and really builds the event up so that there's a good turnout. Last night 137 people came! By far my largest event ever. Last year there were nearly 60 kids and parents in attendance and I thought that was good.
It's such a nice thing, speaking to people in your community, many of whom never even know you write until all of a sudden you're standing up there in front of them. This is the third year my book has been used in these 7th grade classes, and it's amazing how many people I've come to know, and who I feel have come to know me better, even if we already were acquainted--my obgyn doctor, people whose houses I go by on my walks, people I recognize from shopping in their stores, our kids teachers and coaches, people from church, kids who played on teams with our kids... Definitely one of the best things about having become a published writer!
I'm also impressed with the questions kids ask (about a book where death is such a central issue), and that the boys take so much (or any!) interest in a book with a teenage girl for a main character. The teachers must do an excellent job of engaging the kids in the story. I also have to give credit to so many parents who actually read the book with their kids, and who would drag themselves and their child out at 7 pm. on a rainy, raw school night to come to an author presentation. Thank you for making me feel like such a part of the community!
At the end of the presentation, there was a booksigning period where the kids came by with their copies of the book and I had a moment to chat with anyone interested in getting their book signed. One girl was cute; she asked if she could take my picture with her cell phone so her mom could see what I looked like--she said, "She didn't read the book so she didn't think she could come."
So again, thank you Lanell Rakness and Chuck Miller for using my book in your classrooms and for inviting me to do this presentation at Henley!
It's such a nice thing, speaking to people in your community, many of whom never even know you write until all of a sudden you're standing up there in front of them. This is the third year my book has been used in these 7th grade classes, and it's amazing how many people I've come to know, and who I feel have come to know me better, even if we already were acquainted--my obgyn doctor, people whose houses I go by on my walks, people I recognize from shopping in their stores, our kids teachers and coaches, people from church, kids who played on teams with our kids... Definitely one of the best things about having become a published writer!
I'm also impressed with the questions kids ask (about a book where death is such a central issue), and that the boys take so much (or any!) interest in a book with a teenage girl for a main character. The teachers must do an excellent job of engaging the kids in the story. I also have to give credit to so many parents who actually read the book with their kids, and who would drag themselves and their child out at 7 pm. on a rainy, raw school night to come to an author presentation. Thank you for making me feel like such a part of the community!
At the end of the presentation, there was a booksigning period where the kids came by with their copies of the book and I had a moment to chat with anyone interested in getting their book signed. One girl was cute; she asked if she could take my picture with her cell phone so her mom could see what I looked like--she said, "She didn't read the book so she didn't think she could come."
So again, thank you Lanell Rakness and Chuck Miller for using my book in your classrooms and for inviting me to do this presentation at Henley!