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Schools

National Author Reads to Students

Award-winning children's author Haley Rose visited Del Obispo and offered interactive lessons on writing.

Students at Del Obispo Elementary School Monday got to hear a book exactly how the author intended it to be read.

That's because it was the author who was reading it to them.

Haley Rose, a native Southern California and author of Fifo When I Grow Up, her first book, and follow-up Fifo 50 Statestold the students she is working on a third book now with a “musical Fifo.”

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Fifo is a 6-year-old bear. In the first grade.

Fifo 50 States has won 15 awards, including Mom’s Choice Award and 2012 International Book Awards. 

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“We really wanted [Rose] to come,” said Danielle Chapman, secretary of Del Obispo's PTA. “It’s neat to have local authors read to the kids.”

Fifo 50 States is a factual and entertaining read for older elementary kids, while Fifo When I Grow Up is morally instructive and encourages the younger ones to follow their dreams.

“I had the idea [for the book] for a while, and it eventually just all flowed out,” said Rose. “The last thing to do was research the facts.”

Rose told students the most important thing about writing is writing for yourself.

“I always write for me, everything along the way is just a bonus,” said Rose, commenting about her books’ commercial successes.

All of the Del Obispo students took to her humorous books, interjecting questions and comments during her readings. Kindergarten-fifth grade kids heard her read and each set of classes was given different activities corresponding to their age groups. 

The higher grades were taught about the authoring process and participated in a reflective activities.

Rose asked them to write down words relating to Valentine’s Day, then to use those words in a sentence. In the following steps, she instructed them to improve their sentences and improve their grammar as a part of the rewriting process.  

They were also asked where the best places to market and sell the book in this era, and hands in the air indicated everyone had an answer.  

“Social media,” some said. “Amazon, eBay, Barnes & Noble,” said media-savvy fourth- and fifth-graders. 

The younger kids were read Fifo When I Grow Up and then were asked about their career aspirations. Responses included fireman, designer, basketball player, surfer and princess. 

Jenn Buckman, chairperson of Read Across America, organized the reading at Del Obispo and its twin event that will be held at Ambuehl Elementary Tuesday.

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