A dynamic librarian and author, John Schu, visited six schools in the Socorro Independent School District and talked to students about what it means to be a reader and writer, discussed how stories can change us, inspire us, connect us to others, and how they can help answer our deepest questions.
He led the exciting literacy assemblies Jan. 18 through 20 at Purple Heart Elementary School, Lujan-Chavez Elementary School, Cactus Trails Elementary School, John Drugan School, Dr. Sue A. Shook Elementary School, and Paso del Norte Fine Arts Academy.
Schu, a children’s book author and traveling librarian with the kids-first literacy motivation system Bookelicious, said reading is an important tool to help people connect with one another.
“To read a loud with students and to connect through books with students is how we can truly make hearts bigger and brighter,” Schu said. “Being with these kids, feeling their energy and love for reading is amazing.”
He is also a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University, a former classroom teacher and teacher-librarian, and the author of “The Gift of Story” and “This Is A School.”
The author gave out 50 copies of his book “This Is a School” and 100 copies of one of his favorite books, “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate.
Kindahl Thomeson, a fourth-grade student at John Drugan School, said she was excited to meet an author for the first time and was thankful for the time he took to speak with students.
“I liked how enthusiastic he was about his presentation where he talked about imagination, reading and shared his favorite books with us,” Thomeson said. “When you love reading it can do a lot for you and when you have someone else to share that love of reading, it’s just really awesome.”
Schu also gave away a few of his favorite writing notebooks so that students could feel inspired to start journaling their thoughts and creative ideas.
Paso del Norte Fine Arts Academy third-grade student Elliott Blocker said it was a fun assembly.
“I like to read a lot,” Blocker said. “He inspired me to write and be creative.”
Socorro ISD Library Services coordinator Marcy Sparks met the author a few years back at the Texas Library Association Conference and recently introduced Schu to a few SISD teachers during their annual Job-A-Like event. The educators felt inspired to invite the author to visit their students to get them excited about reading.
“Having a guest author visit our students is an exciting way for kids to see the fun in reading while also showing them a little of the magic behind the creative processes of writing and illustrating books,” Sparks said. “Mr. Schu is one of the most energetic advocates for student choice in reading and inspires students to discover a passion for stories. Our students will remember that excitement the next time they discover a book they love.”
Paso del Norte Fine Arts author visit event photos
John Drugan School author visit event photos
Published February 16, 2023
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