Today was one of those amazing, amazing author visit days. I talked with kids about books, was given beautiful artwork, had a fabulously fun lunch with some fourth graders, laughed a lot, and even cried a tiny bit… I’ll tell you why in a minute, but first, a HUGE thank you to the teachers, librarian, and kids of Saranac Elementary.
All these hands are up in response to my question about long car rides & whether anyone has ever asked "Are We There Yet?" (Sometimes writing a book can feel that way, too!)
When the third and fourth graders got to the gym, one of their teachers approached me with a copy of The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. "We have four pages left, and we wondered if you’d like to read the end." She didn’t have to ask twice.
It was so special to get to finish up the book with these students, and they had great questions & observations about Gianna and her family.
Then it was off to a special lunch in Lisa Napper’s fourth grade classroom, where the kids had some surprises ready for me. Lunch, cookies…and art!
The class had read all three of my books in preparation for our visit today, and each student chose a scene from Spitfire to draw. There are definitely some budding illustrators in this group!
After lunch, Mrs. Napper showed me something that gave me goosebumps. If you’ve read The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z, you know that Gianna’s grandmother is struggling with memory issues and (mild spoiler ahead) her family makes a memory book — a sort of scrapbook to help her remember the things that are slipping away from her. The scrapbook in my novel came from my imagination; I pieced it together in daydreams and notebook scribbles.
But when Mrs. Napper was reading that chapter of Gianna Z. aloud to her class, she recognized that memory book. She made one for her own grandmother.
Mrs. Napper’s Nana was 98 when she died. Turning the pages of this book, I couldn’t help feeling a little sad that I never had a chance to meet her. She was clearly a beautiful, beautiful woman and so very loved. But like Gianna’s grandmother, she was having problems with her memory. This book gave her back the story of her life, one loving page at a time.
She read it every day.
And yes…this is the part of the day that made me cry a little. It is a beautiful, beautiful book, and I’m so thankful that Mrs. Napper brought it in to share with me and her students…and gave me permission to share it with you.
Thanks, Lisa…and Rebecca…and all the teachers and kids at Saranac. It was a day I won’t forget.
Having had a grandfather with Alzheimer’s, I’m all teary too.
And if I didn’t tell you before – Gianna Z touched my heart so very deeply for that very same reason.
Okay, now I’m crying.
Wonderful post, Kate.
Oh, thanks for sharing your day and the beautiful memory book Mrs. Napper made.
This is so cool, Kate.
They are a lot of work, but school visits sure are worth it for moments like these.
That means so much to me, Tami – thanks.
When I saw that memory book, I couldn’t believe how real it was, and how much it looked like the one in my imagination.
You are welcome – I’m thankful today, too. Have a great weekend!
Well said, Linda – and also because I have never been invited to sit with so many people at lunch in my life. This was a friendly crew!
Also, I am going to email you later on – I have some good news about a project you helped me with – so thank you!
Aw man, now I’m in tears.
I won’t forget it either, Kate, and I wasn’t even there! Thank you for sharing this with all of us.
It sounds like it was just wonderful!
Oooooooooooooooooooh!!!!! I’ll be checking my email every five minutes now! (Like I don’t otherwise . . .)
Such an amazing school visit for everyone. The memory book is touching. What a lead the teacher gave the kids. Soon, they’ll be making their own…and then the classes that had you finish reading the story for them. Can’t you just see those kids with your book in hand, telling everyone that “the famous” author was at their school and read her book!!!!Wow!!!
Isn’t it just a beautiful book? (sorry about the tears…I probably should have included a warning on this post)
You are welcome – it absolutely made my day.
It was a great day – thanks!
Thanks, Mona~ I love reading aloud to kids, so the chance to share those last pages of my own book was incredibly special.
You are welcome!!
It was great to see you!! I loved hearing about all your books. I can’t wait to read your picure book. THis is more Landen’s level. THe mystery book is very exciting for Bryce. We can’t wait. Thanks for coming to Saranac.
Re: You are welcome!!
So great to see you and Bryce, too!
Kate,
The Friendly Fourth Graders wanted to say congratulations on THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z. being shortlisted for the E.B. White Read Aloud Award. We really enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read more in the future! 🙂
Mrs. Castines’ Friendly Fourth Graders