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| Author Michael Finklea spoke with students Aug. 8 at Horizon Heights Elementary. | ||||
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| Author Michael Finklea talks to Vista Del Sol Elementary students during his visit on Aug. 7. | ||||
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| Two Vista Del Sol Elementary School students show off their books with author Michael Finklea. | ||||
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| Two Horizon Heights students enjoy books by children’s author Michael Finklea. |
The nationally known author of 10 children’s books, including “Fester the Pester, “Good-Natured Nina the Nervous Gnat” and “Who Are You Calling Junior?,” shared his own story of how he became a published author.
“The message is not giving up,” Finklea said. “Just stick with it. That’s the key.”
He told the students about the encouragement he received from his own family, how he developed ideas for his books and the long process he endured before his first book was published. Finklea also read his books to the students.
“He is explaining the writing process to the students,” said Bonnie Sherrod, librarian at Vista Del Sol Elementary. “He sends the message to not give up and to always do their best. We wanted to make reading and writing a fun, engaging experience for them.”
Finklea visited students in kindergarten through fifth grade at H.D. Hilley Elementary, Hueco Elementary, Vista Del Sol Elementary, Horizon Heights Elementary, Loma Verde Elementary, Desert Wind School and Paso Del Norte School.
“We were very impressed with Mr. Finklea’s inspiring message for our students about writing and never giving up,” said Horizon Heights librarian Shannon Ortega.
The author told the students how his sister reminded him that it took Dr. Seuss 27 tries before he had his first book published. Finklea said he had to write and rewrite his story nine times before the publisher picked up his work.
“Remember this: Do not give up! Finish what you start!” Finklea told the students at Horizon Heights Elementary. He asked the students, “When your teacher tells you to write it again, are you going to complain?”
“No!” the Horizon Heights students cheered.
After the presentation the students were eager to meet Finklea and get his autograph. He gladly took the time to sign their books and encourage them to do their best in reading and writing.
Click here to see more photos of Michael Finklea’s visit to SISD schools
