On Thursday, March 2 author Nic Stone stopped by Rock Island High School. Her visit was perfect timing considering it was Read Across America Day.
Nic Stone is a critically acclaimed author of young adult fiction whose work celebrates and uplifts diverse voices. Her debut novel Dear Martin was a #1 New York Times bestseller loosely based on a series of true events involving the shooting deaths of unarmed African American teenagers. Its powerful sequel Dear Justyce was chosen as an NPR Best Book of the Year. Stone is also the author of Odd One Out, Jackpot, Clean Getaway, and the Shuri novel series with Marvel Comics. She is an Atlanta native and a graduate of Spelman college. She currently has been touring to promote her new book How to be a Young Antiracist.
She gave a brief presentation to students in the auditorium. She spoke a little about herself, and how she became an author. Her big message to students was to trust the process and their journey and that they are exactly where they are supposed to be at this moment. Ms. Stone also did a Q&A with students.
After the presentation, she signed autographs for students and staff in the library and took pictures.
“We are so excited to have Nic Stone visit Rock Island High School on Read Across America Day. Thanks to a grant from the Development Fund, we have been able to give away nearly 500 books to Rocky students and staff, and we are reading them enthusiastically. Nic Stone's work celebrates diversity, and reading these books as a school has given us opportunities for important conversations to build understanding and community,” said Mary Mendelin, a Library Media Specialist at Rock Island High School.
This school year Rocky was able to give away 385 Nic Stone books thanks to the Development Fund grant and library activity account funds. Ms. Stone's visit was made possible through a partnership with the Rock Island Public Library, the Davenport Public Library, and the Davenport School District.
Check this story out in the Quad City Times.
Author Nic Stone speaking
Nic Stone answering questions from students
Students waiting in line to have their books signed
staff getting their books autographed by Nic Stone
RIHS student Nellie Ninahazwe chats with author Nic Stone while she waits for her book to get autographed
RIHS student Aline Niyogusenga takes a picture with Nic Stone
Students from the Reading Rocks take a picture with Nic Stone