I’m gearing up for an epic school visit with the Mount Harmony Mustangs in Owings Maryland on March 14, and I couldn’t be more excited!

When I visit schools, my goal isn’t just to talk at students—it’s to spark their curiosity, inspire creativity, and help them see themselves as history-makers. thanks to amazing teacher-librarian Melaney Sanchez, it’s shaping up to be extra special.

📖 Signing Bookplates – I’ve got MONUMENT MAKER bookplates ready to personalize. There’s nothing better than seeing young readers light up when they hold a book signed just for them!

🎼 Bringing Some Music into the Mix – Because what’s a school visit without a little fun? I’ve been practicing a musical piece, and I can’t wait to share it. 🎶

🎨 A Creative Surprise for All 630 Students – Illustrator Shawn Fields and I have been cooking up something special for the students at Mount Harmony. I love weaving art into my visits—because books aren’t just words, they’re experiences.

One of the most moving moments leading up to this visit? Seeing the opening lines of MONUMENT MAKER displayed above a K-5 library in Calvert County Public Schools, again thanks to teacher-librarian Melaney Sanchez. (See photo to right).  Every single student—all 630 of them—has read or heard the book. That’s exactly what Shawn and I hoped for when we created this story. We didn’t just want kids to witness history.

We wanted them to feel empowered.

To know that their own experiences—big or small—matter. That they, too, can shape history.

A huge thank you to the amazing teachers, librarians, art teachers, and PTA leaders in Calvert County Public Schools for bringing this book and its message to your students. I can’t wait to meet them—and to continue the conversation later that evening at the National Mall celebration with parents and community members.

Interested in bringing a school visit like this to your school or community? Let’s make it happen!