At a great event in Maquoketa, Iowa this weekend I had a tremendous turnout at the Old Lumberyard Gift Shop. We had a steady stream of people for an hour and a half!
But of all the kind and caring people I met, one boy stood out. He was about 10 or 11. He stood in line with his mom and got a book for his sister. About 20 minutes later, he came back when the line was gone. He put some money down and said, "i need another copy for my sister." I noticed a hesitation in his voice and set down my pen.
"You sure this book isn't for you?" I asked.
He nodded 'yes'.
I said he could whisper if he wanted. He leaned over and said the coolest thing. "It's really for me--but i don't want to say it out loud. I started reading my sister's copy and I couldn't stop reading."
I happily personalized a copy and told him to rest assured--I have loyal 6th grade readers too and that he shouldn't have to be embarrassed to read my books. What a cool exchange. It is one I will never forget.
