NEWS RELEASES > SEPTEMBER 6, 2023
BY FOLLETT'S CONTENT BUSINESS
MCHENRY, Ill., Sept. 6, 2023 — Children’s authors bond with students on many levels with their books but it’s not often they enjoy face-to-face contact with the young readers. Thanks to the fourth “Write to Connect” program from Follett Content Solutions, it again will become a reality for students whose teachers have nominated their classroom by the Friday, Sept. 29 deadline.
The Write to Connect author for Fall 2023 is Ana Aranda, whose picture book, Our Day of the Dead Celebration, was published last September by Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books. In the book, a warm, loving family honors their living and dead relatives as they celebrate the Day of the Dead with shared food and stories. Aranda's whimsical, bright illustrations are full of joy, and the story is a powerful reminder that our loved ones are always with us.
Once the entry deadline has passed, six classrooms will be randomly selected to participate and their journey will begin by receiving Aranda’s book. After the teacher has read the book to the students, the youths will be asked to send their questions to the author. One of the six classrooms will be randomly chosen to participate in a live video conference call with the author, while the other five schools will receive a personalized, pre-recorded message.
Aranda is the seventh author to participate in Write to Connect. Gaia Cornwall, author of Jabari Jumps (Candlewick Press), was the most recent one as she held a video conference last spring with an elementary school in Valdosta, Ga.
“It's always fun to get a chance to connect with kids and classrooms and teachers,” Cornwall said. “One of my favorite parts of being a picture book creator is getting to meet with kids and to talk to them about books and reading. The Write to Connect program was so lovely because it provided an extra layer of communication through the letters they sent to me plus the videos. It gave us more connection; it felt like we were in a conversation together. And that felt special.”
Shamoria Williams, teacher at W.G. Nunn Elementary School in Valdosta, said Write to Connect created a meaningful experience for her second-grade students.
“This was a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity for many of them,” Williams said. “Most kids have never had the chance to connect to an author of a book. So, being able to write a letter to an author and being able to speak to one is something that I hope they cherish. The students were so excited about connecting with the author. It warmed my heart knowing they were so ready for the moment.”
Teachers interested in entering the free Write to Connect giveaway should visit www.allbooksforallkids.com/authors/write-to-connect for complete information.
###
About Follett’s Content Business | follettcontent.com
Follett Content Solutions is the largest provider of educational materials to PreK-12 libraries, classrooms, learning centers and school districts in the United States, and a major supplier to educational institutions worldwide. Follett distributes textbooks, supplemental books, hands-on learning resources, audiovisual materials and digital resources through Titlewave, the most powerful online collection development and curriculum support tool for school libraries, librarians, and educators. Find Follett on Facebook, and follow on Twitter (@FollettLearning).
Media Contact: Doug Thompson | Thompson Drake Public Relations | 541.419.4471 | doug@thompsondrake.com
July 14, 2026
McHenry, Ill. – July 14, 2026 – Follett Content, a leading provider of PreK-12 literacy resources, supported Page Ahead’s 2026 Book Up Summer program, helping distribute 79,959 books to 10,220 students across 50 schools throughout Washington state.Book Up Summer is...
Read more
Follett Content Team Raises Funds for CASA of McHenry County Through Employee Bookstore
June 24, 2026
McHenry, Ill. – June 24, 2026 – Follett Content, a leading provider of PreK-12 literacy resources, announced a $1,013 donation to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of McHenry County, generated through proceeds from employee purchases at Edythe’s Book Nook (EBN), its...
Read more
Follett Content Launches tonies + Book Bundles for Libraries
June 23, 2026
McHenry, Ill., June 23, 2026 – Follett Content, a leading provider of content and services for public and school libraries, today announced the launch of tonies® + Book Bundles, a new offering now available for purchase by libraries.Developed in collaboration...
Read more
Follett Content Celebrates 25 Years as an ALA Library Champion at ALA Annual 2026
June 10, 2026
McHenry, Ill., June 10, 2026 – Follett Content, a trusted partner to public and school libraries nationwide, today announced its participation in the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition, taking place June 25-29, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago. This year marks...
Read more
Follett Content Strengthens Adult Offerings for Public Libraries, Launches New Street Date Program
April 30, 2026
Follett Content, a longtime partner to libraries nationwide, today announced a deepened commitment to public library collections by expanding its adult print catalog and launching the Follett Street Date Program to help libraries to deliver high-demand titles to patrons on...
Read more
Follett Celebrates Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week with Literacy Space Giveaway
April 28, 2026
During Teacher Appreciation Week, Follett Content is recognizing educators by supporting the literacy spaces where students read, explore, and learn every day. The initiative addresses common challenges educators face, including limited time and budget to refresh classroom and library environments.
Read more