For Richard J. Bailey fourth graders, last week’s special assembly felt like meeting a celebrity they had only known through the pages of a book. Over the summer, the students dove into The One and Only Ivan by Newbery Medal–winning author Katherine Applegate. This past Wednesday, they had the extraordinary opportunity to meet the celebrated writer virtually in the RJB auditorium.
“It’s such a special moment when students meet the author of a book they’ve connected with,” said K–12 Literacy Coach Lori D’Andrea. “These unique opportunities deepen their appreciation for reading and inspire them to write.”
During the visit, Ms. Applegate shared her newest book, Pocket Bear — a story about a tiny teddy bear originally designed to fit in the pockets of soldiers during World War I as a good-luck charm. More than a century later, Pocket becomes the unofficial mayor of “Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured,” where old stuffed animals are lovingly refurbished and find new families.
“I wanted to write a story about the magic of treasured stuffed animals,” Ms. Applegate explained. “They are the ones who listen to us, who are always there for us, and they never judge.”
The author was joined by her rescue pug, Boss, who delighted students by sitting on her lap for most of the presentation. She also shared her personal journey as a writer, admitting that she didn’t enjoy reading as a child until she discovered one special book.
“Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White made me a writer,” she told students. “It was what I call my ‘best friend book.’”
Growing up, Ms. Applegate thought she might become a veterinarian — but instead, she combined her love of animals with her gift for storytelling. Her books, which often feature animals as main characters, explore empathy and the connections between humans and the natural world. “I wanted to imagine what it would be like to be an animal and what their experience in life is like,” she said.
Students learned about the creative process from idea to publication and were curious about what keeps the author inspired. When asked what she loves most about writing, Ms. Applegate smiled and said, “I love that it always feels new, every time. The feeling I get when I pick the right word or make a perfect sentence — it feels like music to me.”