Yearly Archives: 2009


Done 2

Roughly 11 weeks, 35 schools, 40 flights, 100 presentations, 20,000 young people… A blur. Now it’s time for me to hideout and write. I want to thank everyone for their kindnesses and apologize to my editors and readers for the writing delay. Rest assured I will catch up in the […]


Dodge City 4

I’m in Dodge City today where the Gunsmoke crew, Matt Dillon, Chester, Kitty, and Doc hung out at the Long Branch Saloon in the living room of my youth. This is my last school visit until mid-January, which means tonight when I finish I get to say: “I’m gonna get […]


Chisholm Trail Middle School 2

I was at Chisholm Middle School today with librarian and author, Beverley Buller. She’s written a biography about William Allen White for Young Adults: “From Emporia: The story of William Allen White.” Her book is on this year’s William Allen White Book Award List. Her husband, Paul, picked me up […]


Santa Fe Middle School 4

I spoke at the Fox theater in downtown Newton, Kansas today to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Librarian Carolin Moore was my host. Dan Suderman runs the old theater, which was a great venue to speak in. The students walked over from Santa Fe for the presentations and were a […]


Oak Creek Elementary

I was at Oak Creek Elementary with librarian Michelle Sattler today speaking to K thru 5 students. Michelle had alatte waiting for me at the school–a good way to start the day. Thanks Michelle. This is my last full week of school visits. Three days next week, then I’ll be […]


Scioto Ridge Elementary

I was at Scioto Ridge Elementary with the wonderful librarian Peggy Olson speaking to K thru 5. The morning started with a delicious breakfast made by the 1st grade teachers…and just got better from there. Thanks everyone for another great visit!


Indian Springs Elementary

I was at Indian Springs Elementay today with librarian Christin Tomas, who wakes up early every morning like I do…but she’s a runner, not a writer. I spoke to K-5 and the students were huge fans and great fun to talk to. A girl wrote my quote… “Writing causes inspiration. […]


Alum Creek Elementary 2

I was at Alum Creek this morning with librarian Susan Labonte, who was great…as were the students and teachers. The leaves have turned in Ohio. I was greeted by a rather large Sasquatch as I walked through the front door. A lot of books to sign. I spoke to 3rd, […]


Wyandot Run Elementary & Mexico 2

I’m in Ohio for the week speaking at Elementary Schools just outside Columbus. This visit has been booked for at least two years, and it’s good to finally get here. I’m at Wyandot Run Elementary today with super librarian Ann Murnane. We started the day of with a staff breakfast. […]


Elephant Run 3

Another great email and beautiful art from a talented young artist… Thanks Samuel! Dear Mr. Smith, Thank you for all the great books you have written. I wanted to share a painting my 12 year old son, Samuel did for a book report on Elephant Run this past month. As […]