Students Hear From Author and Help Raise Money For Homeless

Middleburgh Elementary School students had a special visitor yesterday, author and Emmy Award-winning television journalist, John Gray.

Mr. Gray helped share the message of kindness and compassion by reading one of his three published children’s books, Sweet Polly Petals to the students. Sweet Polly Petals is a story about virtue, gratitude, and helping those less fortunate, with an unexpected twist at the end. The book is illustrated by Shanna Brickell.

A portion of the proceeds from Sweet Polly Petals will be donated to help the homeless. Students who purchased his book understood they were helping the homeless too. 

Mr. Gray shared a story about his journey becoming an author and emphasized the importance of reading and writing, and how the two skills complement each other. It was evident by the questions the young students asked that they were an attentive audience. Some questions that were asked included: how long it takes to write a book; where ideas come from; and how often Mr. Gray writes.

Students also had an opportunity to get Mr. Gray’s autograph. The visit was made possible by our school counselor, Heather Howe.