There are moments on a writer’s journey when you wonder why anyone would want this crazy, rejection-filled life. If you’re in that spot, I’ve been there. I just want you to know, if you keep at it, and work hard, and have a little bit of good luck? Sometimes, the fairy tale comes true. And I’m finding out it can come true in ways you never even knew to wish for.

At Yokota Middle School, my fairy tale writing journey took on new heights, thanks to the teachers and the unbelievably organized and wildly creative library team of Cheryl Johnson and Annette Holladay. I cannot say enough good things about these phenomenal women!

Cheryl, me, and Annette, along with books donated by Razorbill (and me) to the library!

Their library was easily one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, packed with books that I knew had only been released weeks before. Those kids may not even realize how lucky they are.

An excellent library motto. 🙂

Some amazing resources for studying Sinister Sweetness! These gals think of everything.

And the students! Oh, my. From the darling girl who let me know my novel was the first one she had ever read (try not to cry when that happens to you, I dare you!), to the eighth grader who presented me with a gorgeous, original piece of artwork based on my book – these kids blew me away.

An entire wall devoted to art and favorite lines/images from my book. I was speechless!

The artwork mentioned above, by Sara Means. It's perfect! I'm having it framed for my office. <333

There is nothing like seeing an entire wall covered with your words. I may have to become a graffiti artist.

When I walked into the first presentation of the day, for about 200 seventh and eighth graders, a boy (with a deep bass voice) yelled out, “Hey! I read your book! I loved it! It’s awesome!” The day just got better from there.

Better and better. There were homemade cupcakes...

...and flowers...

...more presents for me to take home...

...advertisements for the book everywhere...

... and another wall right inside the front doors of the school, recruiting for a new Splendid Academy!

Here are a few more pictures, but they don’t do the day justice, since I can’t post photos of the kids here – and they were the stars of the show. Yokota Middle School lives in my heart now – and I will never forget the day I spent there!

Close-up of the recruitment poster!

Blog posts from Principal Trapp

Candy! And sand! Suspiciously beautiful sand...

A huge spread for lunch, Splendid Academy style!

The newest additions to the library. (Can I stay? I want to live there!)

And the day ended with salad pizza. For real. Thank you Cheryl and Annette! You made all my author visit dreams come true.

You would think that would be all the amazing-ness I could happen upon in one week, right? But wait. My next blog post will feature Yokota West Elementary, and a fifth grade wing that transformed itself into a Splendid Academy, down to the tiniest details. Soon to come…