On March 19, both middle schools were visited by #1 New York Times bestselling author Mr. Gordon Korman.

Mr. Korman’s writing career started when he was 12, with his first book published in ninth grade, making him an incredible success story to inspire the students. He shared stories from his life and career, encouragement to young writers, and insight into the way he writes; stressing the importance of background research, intentional dialogue, and asking the question ‘what if?’

The children had opportunities to ask Mr. Korman about what inspired specific books and characters, as well as getting personal copies of his booked signed in the library afterwards.

“Although my stories are a combination of real life and pure imagination…. by the time a book is done, I can't recognize much of the real-life part,” he said. “It's been changed too much. But I never could have gotten there without it."