New York Times bestselling children’s author Dan Santat visits Algonquin Middle School
![Picture of author, Dan Santat doing a presentation at Algonquin Middle School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1682635105/d62org/ivdsnkzd7qpzeo2hwmsa/DSCF1152.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1682635105/d62org/ivdsnkzd7qpzeo2hwmsa/DSCF1152.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1682635105/d62org/ivdsnkzd7qpzeo2hwmsa/DSCF1152.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1682635105/d62org/ivdsnkzd7qpzeo2hwmsa/DSCF1152.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1682635105/d62org/ivdsnkzd7qpzeo2hwmsa/DSCF1152.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1682635105/d62org/ivdsnkzd7qpzeo2hwmsa/DSCF1152.jpg","width":2200}])
Algonquin
Santat was awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal for distinguished illustration for his book Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend and he has written and/or illustrated over 50 books.
He spoke to 6th and 7th grade students about his newest book, a graphic novel memoir about his middle school years titled A First Time for Everything.
Library Media Specialist Erin Wengerhoff said the visit was a huge success and that his message was a positive one. Santat told the students, "We as human beings try to avoid pain or scary situations or trying something new.
There is something about facing something scary or new - it makes you realize that you're capable of more than you realize - you have strength and you're going to be okay.
The 6th and 7th graders and their teachers also created postcards for Santat. Wengerhoff said Santat noticed them immediately, stopped to read them and loved them!
- Algonquin