7th and 8th grade readers enjoyed listening and talking with Angela Johnson, an award winning author that visited Brooks Middle School on April 1, 2008. During her visit, she discussed parts of Bird, The First Part Last, Heaven, and A Cool Moonlight. Our students read these books the months leading up to her visit.

"The 'fringe' characters in my books allow the 'safe' characters to be a little wild for a while." Ideas for her books came from the "off the wall crazy" children she knew. "It's easier to write about crazy people," joked Ms. Johnson. The stories Ms. Johnson shared had everyone laughing and learning.

Brooks students were treated to a sneak peak of her next book, Notes to a Boy. She shared the difficulties she was having writing the book as a series of notes. Comparisons of how it doe not follow a linear storyline and and The First Part Last were made.

Nearly 250 students participated in the four sessions with Ms. Johnson. Often our students asked about writing quality students and learned that "everyone wants the true story. I like to write books that when you close them up, they 'feel' true."

"There are some happy endings in life, but mostly just endings." In the end, Brooks Middle School's students had the opportunity to ask questions about books they read and connect with a world-class author.

Ms. Johnson was warm and friendly with a small class. Due to a minor scheduling error, a few of our students were missed. "Real life and art always find a way." Ms. Johnson volunteered to take a few minutes to make sure everyone had a fair chance to chat with her.

Mr. Holtz, our school's librarian, had the pleasure of introducing Ms. Johnson to our students. Ms. Fox and Mr. Holtz co-wrote a grant application in December of 2006 that provided our school with this fine author's visit. We would like to thank the Valley View Educational Enrichment Foundation for their support. Without them things like this won't happen.