Beyond the Words: Author’s Visit Sparks Excitement for Reading

The air in the gymnasium was thick with anticipation, with more than 150 Ison Springs Elementary School students in attendance. Their eyes were fixated on one person, New York Times-bestselling author Katherine Applegate. The students, especially those who had brought their favorite stuffed animals along, hung on to Applegate’s every word with a tight, attentive grip as she shared one of her latest books. Her visit is one of the highlights of Fulton County Schools’ ongoing commitment to empower students to read.

“This aligns with Ison Springs’ broader literacy goals and those of the district’s media services, which focus on increasing independent reading, boosting library circulation, and helping students transition from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn’ during these crucial upper-elementary years,” says Fulton County Schools (FCS) program specialist Sadeqwa Atkinson-Simmons.

Applegate’s presentation blended storytelling, history, and personal reflection. She revealed to students the fascinating inspiration for her new book “Pocket Bear,” and, according to Ison Springs media specialist Michelle Ragghianti, it was a hit.

“When I tell you they were the quietest I’ve ever seen them during an assembly, it’s all a credit to how enthralling Ms. Applegate was during her talk,” says media specialist Michelle Ragghianti with pride.

The fourth and fifth graders were enthralled by characters such as Zafarina, a mischievous cat who collects discarded treasures, and Dasha, a Ukrainian refugee who repairs abandoned toys and gives them new homes.

“Through these characters, Ms. Applegate wove in themes of friendship, kindness, and the power of second chances,” Atkinson-Simmons states.

Ison Springs was selected to host the event thanks in part to her support, along with Principal Lakasha Lee. Ragghianti, who says Applegate even inspired her childhood, embraced this opportunity with a resounding yes!

“When I was first told about the opportunity our students had to hear Katherine Applegate speak at our school, I was so extremely excited,” Ragghianti recalls. “Her new book Pocket Bear seemed so interesting, and I have been a fan of hers since I was a child.”

Author visits like this one are an important feature of the district’s sprawling, multi-faceted approach to turning a new page on literacy. The goal is to foster a love for books among students so they will not only want to read, but to do it for fun.

“When students get to meet the people behind the books, it sparks excitement and curiosity, which often leads to more library checkouts and more reading for fun,” notes Atkinson-Simmons.

Applegate’s visit concluded with students getting an opportunity to engage with her in a way that allowed them to peer into her creative process and how she overcomes obstacles while writing.

“My impression of her was utter kindness,” says Ragghianti as she praises Applegate’s attentiveness. “When she was talking with a student or teacher, she seemed to be present, kind, and humble. It was a great day and I’m still hearing from the students about what page they are on or that they love Pocket Bear!”

“Katherine Applegate’s visit was more than just an author talk—it was a celebration of books, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling,” says Atkinson-Simmons. “She reminded students that reading can open new worlds and that the right book can change their lives forever.”

Atkinson-Simmons confirms, the district’s media services department plans to continue bringing in more authors and identify schools that are willing to host these impactful literacy events.