Mantua, OH: One Book, One School!
Friday, May 31, 2013 at 08:29PM 
Ever have a day that is so extraordinary you just don't want to see it end? Today was that day for me. I had the honor and privilege of spending it with the incredible community of Crestwood Intermediate School, in Mantua (pronounced MAN'-uh-way), OH.
My adventure began several months ago, when I was contacted by Crestwood's incredible, energetic guidance counsellor, Gary Traveny, who informed me that the school had selected WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU O.J. for its annual One Book, One School program. This was a first for O.J. and for me, so I was very pleased by the news. He then informed me that all 500 students the 3rd to 5th grade school were going to read the book, as were their teachers and the entire school staff. He described what the school had doing to celebrate previous winners, including Richard Peck's On the Wings of Heroes and Jody Feldman's The Gollywhopper Games, and asked if perhaps I could Skype with the kids or sign some sort of keepsake.
Well, sure I could! But the more we talked about the kinds of things the school was planning, the more I felt a strong desire to be there to see it in person. The next thing I knew, Mr. Traveny gave me the great news that the school had applied for and received a grant to bring me in person, which is why I got up at 4:30 a.m. today and flew to Cleveland.
I think this story tells itself best with images. Of the enthusiastic kids, teachers, and staff members. Of the practice pets the entire school made (the rubric required making a pet - incorporating at least one orange juice or milk jug - as well as its habitat, developing tricks for the pet to perform, writing a page about the pet and presenting it to a panel of judges). Of the children's book theme decorated-bicycle parade (primary school kids held up "fiction" and "nonfiction" signs as bikes passed), complete with the theme from Batman and klezmer music, to match themes and scenes from the book. Of the non-stop fun we had all day, and it turned out they had been having all week (for example, the school welcomed over 200 grandparents and other "significant Ace"s to come join the celebration). Another special guest was Amy McCoy and her wonderful AKC Canine Good Citizen dog Chloe, who I particularly loved meeting because Amy's story - growing up as one of the only Jewish kids in Mantua, OH - so paralleled mine.
And guess what? The school raised over $1000 for books through First Book, and designated a program in their area as the recipient (the lady from this program gave a moving thanks during the morning assembly, describing how many of the families she serves need money for necessities and can't afford books - she described how this week alone she got calls from families whose water had been turned off).
We spent the whole day in conversation about the book, writing, the creative process, standing out and fitting in, real dogs, practice dogs, and much much MUCH more. I left with a t-shirt, a medal, a ribbon, lots of new friends and memories I will always treasure.
As an author, I write books with the hope that kids - and adults - will read them and enjoy them. It's even better when they read them and get inspired to write their own. An entire school doing WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU O.J. with so much heart, humor, and chutzpah... that completely blew me away. But the thing that struck me was this - in this age of date-driven everything, where checking off standard is valued over all, and teachers are frustrated that there's no time left to focus on creativity, this school came together around a book in so many amazing ways. Luckily, the principal, Mike Maglionico, drove me to the airport at the end of the day, so I got to ask him about this: "With all the requirements placed on schools and performance standards, how - and why - do you do ONE BOOK, ONE SCHOOL and make it bigger and better every year?" His answer was this: "I'll be honest - we wait until the testing is over. But then we just go for it. I think it is really important to round out the year with something that brings us together as a community in such a positive and energetic way. When I see how it affects my kids and my teachers, the whole staff in fact, there's no way I'd give this up."
HUGE thanks to Gary Treveny, Mike Maglionico, Amy McCoy, and everyone at Crestwood Intermediate School! You guys are amazing. I'm so touched by the gift you gave me by celebrating my work, and so impressed that you are so dedicated to learning, growing and having fun doing it every day.
Reader Comments (3)
Erica,
We absolutely LOVED your visit and your book! Our staff and students are amazing, thank you for recognizing us. We are looking forward to reading more of your books as we become better readers and writers.
Carie Engelhart
Fourth Grade Teacher
Crestwood Intermediate School
Erica,
Thank you for fitting Crestwood Intermediate School into your busy schedule. The month long experience focusing on When Life Gives You OJ could not have had a better ending. Your visit to our school will be a life long memory for our students and staff.
Mike Maglionico
Pincipal
Crestwood Intermediate School
Erica,
I was the one holding the baby puppy in the picture! The one holding the big puppy is my friend Jilly and the other one is Brianna. I loved your visit and I was so happy you came. I hope you liked it as much as me!!
Krista Smith
Student in Mrs. Engelharts class
Crestwood Intermediate School