World-famous Authors Visit Montclair Schools

Lenore Look came to Edgemont on Fri., Feb. 4. Look is the author of the popular “Alvin Ho” and “Ruby Lu” series of books. Look, a New Jersey resident, said she began making pictures books when she was in Kindergarten. She offered students advice and writing tips such as keeping a journal.

	Mt. Hebron Middle School welcomed author Anthony Horowitz, right, on Mon., March 21, who discussed his latest book, “Scorpia Rising: Alex Rider, The Final Mission.” Co-sponsored by Watchung Booksellers and the MFEE, Horowitz signed books and answered questions.

Nishuane held its first annual Readapalooza, Feb. 28 – March 4, a week-long celebration of reading, including a poster contest, read-alouds, in-school and at-home activities, and visits from two authors.

An assembly featured Josh Lewis, author of the “Super Chicken Nugget Boy” early reader chapter book series including “Super Chicken Nugget Boy and the Furious Fry” and “Super Chicken Nugget Boy vs. Dr. Ned and his Eggplant Army.” Local author Oriona Dolese also visited the school to read aloud her book, “Mazy Lazy.”

This special week was a part of the school’s ongoing Pennies for Pages project which began in February and will conclude in May, designed to promote and encourage reading in school, at home, and in the community. Every book read by a Nishuane student will earn 1¢ for the Montclair Public Library, which will be collected in penny jars throughout the school. At the end of the project, the money raised will be donated to the Montclair Public Library. Throughout the next few months, Nishuane will have many events tying to the Pennies for Pages project.

On Tues., March 15, author/illustrator Thomas F. Yezerski visited Bradford School’s 3rd and 4th graders to talk about his book, “Meadowlands: A Wetlands Survival Story.” The book, complete with watercolor illustrations, describes the plight of the animals and plants living in the 20,000 acres of wetlands.

For the adults, on Wed., March 15, Bradford and Bullock schools co-sponsored a discussion on bullying, featuring world-famous expert on peacemaking and conflict resolution in public education, Naomi Drew. Drew is the author of several books on the subject including “The Kids Guide to Working Out Conflicts,” “Peaceful Parents, Peaceful Kids,” and her latest, “No Kidding on Bullying”

Lisa Funari Willever will be at the Charles H. Bullock School on Fri., April 1. Willever is the author of the popular “Nicky Fifth” chapter book series in addition to award-winning “A Glove of Our Own” and “There’s a Kid Under My Bed.” During her visit, Willever will share the true stories behind many of her books and will read aloud to students followed by a question and answer session.