Mr. Steele,
I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your presentation at my son’s school last week. It really struck a chord with my son, and I’m so tickled to see that he absorbed so much from having listened to you speak.
Let me explain.
My son, Hunter, is a second grader at Williams Elementary in Katy, TX. He is a very bright boy, and interested in things beyond his years. Yet, he doesn’t enjoy reading. He never really has. He usually wants answers that even his teachers can’t give him, and we try to encourage him to find his answers by reading. His struggle is that his reading level is more on par with fiction and he isn’t interested in anything that seems “not real”. He wants answers. He wants the truth. But, non-fiction is too difficult for his reading abilities. He would rather just find a competent adult and learn by watching them and asking them a million questions. I try to read to him as much as I can, but it hasn’t seemed to help. I hate to see him so frustrated with his own reading ability. I know he’s a bright boy, and I encourage him constantly, but the struggle is still there.
Since your presentation, Hunter has a new sense of confidence. I have heard him repeat multiple times, “I CAN DO THAT”. He even encourages his little brother and reminds him of the 4 most powerful words!
We purchased “Night at the Museum: Night of the Dragons” and he is really enjoying it! He came home that night and read 10 pages, without us telling him he had to read. That’s HUGE for him! He is reading every night before bed and doesn’t put up a fuss. We’ll be purchasing the next in the series very soon! Please keep writing!
I wanted you to know just how powerful your presentation was. My son was just one of many kids there that night. He’s just one of the thousands of kids you’ve spoken to before. If no one has shared a similar story with you before, I’d be surprised. Thank you for the presentation. Thank you for the books. Thank you for inspiring my child!
Sincerely,
Tiffany Gwin
Today I drove a couple hours due west to perform at the Hood County Library in Granbury, TX. I enjoyed the scenic drive through the countryside and around the Granbury square.
There wasn’t such a big turnout but I enjoyed telling everyone about my career in special effects, how I turn a film script into a junior novel, and even how I write picture books. I think the kids enjoyed the show and some were especially great at making crazy giraffe sounds!
Thanks to Christina Proctor for inviting me and a big thanks to the kids who made it out to the show.
Today I enjoyed a special appearance at the Kerens Library in Kerens, Texas. I had to dial up the wackiness a bit since I was part of their Wacky Wednesdays summer program for kids. There was a nice turnout and everyone seemed to have a good time.
However, this was an extra special appearance since Kerens is my new hometown. That’s right! After singing the farm song during my show for so many years, I finally moved to one. So today I drove into town, pulled onto the main street, and visited my new library for the first time!
Thanks to Barbara Latta for inviting me and it was great to meet all of our new neighbors. I’ll be back soon to get my library card!