If you heard episode #124, you know that Marc Tyler Nobleman had the idea for an author “talent show” for Sandy Hook almost immediately. Here is the wonderful, loving, and positive result of that idea. This visit was profoundly moving, and complete normal. The authors and illustrators joked, talked, drew, and taught the way we always do in a visit, and the kids responded the way kids always do: they laughed, sang, interrupted, and cracked us up with their unexpected and funny responses.
This felt good on so many levels, and I’m glad to share it with you. I managed to get enough audio to give you an idea of what the day felt like. The audio isn’t always great, I warn you, because we were in an auditorium. The presentations are cut short, but I urge you to do whatever you can to get these authors to your district’s school, no matter where you are!
Special thanks to Media Specialist Yvonne Cech and Isabel Almeida at the United Way of Western Connecticut for helping make this possible! Apologies to the many others who also were integral, but I don’t know who everyone is!
The authors involved in the visit were:
Susan Hood
Bruce Degan
Marc Tyler Nobleman
Tad Hills
Bob Shea
Mike Rex
Daniel Kirk
Alan Katz
Vincent Kirsch
Tracy Dockray
Meghan McCarthy
Here is an article in School Library Journal.
An Author Visit to Sandy Hook
Gayle Swift
February 13, 2013 - 10:42 pm ·The genuine emotion that came through the podcast was heartwarming. What joy I felt as I heard the children’s laughter. Thank you for bringing your ttalents to the kids. I know this breath of normalcy was effective.
Please keep your podcast coming, Katie.
Elizabeth
February 14, 2013 - 8:37 am ·What an awesome, awesome thing you guys did!!! Must tweet about this… 🙂 e