Jay Asher's Blog, page 11
January 12, 2015
50 States Against Bullying: MICHIGAN
After a long holiday break, the 50 States Against Bullying campaign picked up again with Michigan as the twenty-sixth stop. I first hopped a flight to L.A., grabbed a flight to Detroit, and then my flight to Kalamazoo was cancelled due to something called "weather" so I grabbed a car and drove until midnight.
The next morning, I arrived at the Kellogg Auditorium for my presentation. Lakeview High School in Battle Creek was selected as my Michigan stop, and that school was generous enough to move the event to a larger venue so several neighboring schools could also send students. Two of those schools, unfortunately, were having a Snow Day.
Being in Michigan, I had the opportunity to meet fellow YA author, Bethany Neal, who was the subject of my first debut author interview on this blog.
Miles, a student at Lakeview High, introduced me...and we were off!
This was quite an emotional presentation to restart the campaign after being off the road for a few weeks. During the Q&A, we had more people come up to the microphone to purely share their stories of being bullied than at any stop so far. I definitely pondered so much of what they shared, and how grateful I am for their courage to be so open, throughout the rest of the day.
(photo courtesy of Bethany)
After the presentation, I drove to Lakeview High and had a great lunch with 13 students (totally by coincidence!) and several faculty members. It was a chance to answer their in-depth questions about Thirteen Reasons Why, and discuss various ways different characters could be seen.
And then it was back to the airport!
Well, actually, it was my first time at this airport because I never actually made it to this terminal. But I did use it on my way to the next stop.
Unfortunately, because of something called "weather" I only made the first of my two flights.
So...? Did I make it to my next stop?
Find out tomorrow!
The next morning, I arrived at the Kellogg Auditorium for my presentation. Lakeview High School in Battle Creek was selected as my Michigan stop, and that school was generous enough to move the event to a larger venue so several neighboring schools could also send students. Two of those schools, unfortunately, were having a Snow Day.
Being in Michigan, I had the opportunity to meet fellow YA author, Bethany Neal, who was the subject of my first debut author interview on this blog.
Miles, a student at Lakeview High, introduced me...and we were off!
This was quite an emotional presentation to restart the campaign after being off the road for a few weeks. During the Q&A, we had more people come up to the microphone to purely share their stories of being bullied than at any stop so far. I definitely pondered so much of what they shared, and how grateful I am for their courage to be so open, throughout the rest of the day.
(photo courtesy of Bethany)After the presentation, I drove to Lakeview High and had a great lunch with 13 students (totally by coincidence!) and several faculty members. It was a chance to answer their in-depth questions about Thirteen Reasons Why, and discuss various ways different characters could be seen.
And then it was back to the airport!
Well, actually, it was my first time at this airport because I never actually made it to this terminal. But I did use it on my way to the next stop.
Unfortunately, because of something called "weather" I only made the first of my two flights.
So...? Did I make it to my next stop?
Find out tomorrow!
January 7, 2015
My First Paranormal Investigation!
If you've known me at all at any point in my life, you know I'm fascinated by all things paranormal. In junior high, I once gave an oral report on the history of a local ghost. In high school, some friends and I took a Ouija board to a cemetery, and the result (especially after searching newspaper archives the next day) can only mean...well...let's just say we made a virtual friend long before Facebook.
When some friends in Minnesota formed Ghost Stories, Inc. ("Authors and Artists Seeking Inspiration Through Paranormal Research"), I routinely salivated over updates on their investigations. When they organized an outing in my home state, they very generously asked if I'd like to join them. To which I replied, "Well, let me think ab--YES!!!"
A few days ago, GSI and I rented a townhouse in Hollywood. In preparation for that night's adventure into the unknown, they made sure all of their equipment was operating correctly. Here, Shawn shows me the thermal imaging attachment for his phone. [Full names will be given in the group photo below.]
What notoriously haunted location were we about to investigate? In 1969, several followers of Charles Manson brutally killed seven people over two days in what is often called the Tate-Labianca murders. One of the victims, Steven Parent, went to school with my mom.
(yearbook photo)
The house owned by another victim, Sharon Tate, has since been demolished because of its history, but a home a few doors down reportedly displays many signs of paranormal activity. Some "ghost hunting" television shows have recorded episodes there, and now it was GSI's turn.
When Jessica knocked on David Oman's door, I looked around at the crew I was lucky to be standing with. What most impresses me about these people, who range from skeptics to believers, is the way they approach their investigations.
GSI chose this location to investigate because of its infamy and the reports of its activity, but they approached their job without wanting to sensationalize. Like any of their outings, they simply wanted to see what they could find, whether it related to the well-publicized history of the place or not.
Here are Jessica, Josh, and Sammy organizing some of their equipment. I did non-technical stuff like taping down cables, holding flashlights, and something called, "No, don't touch that!"
While others in the crew set up infrared cameras, Scott instructed them through a walkie-talkie on how to adjust the angles.
While cameras were getting set into position, Josh filmed Jessica interviewing David about his experiences in the house.
And then we were ready to go.
We went from room-to-room, performing various experiments. The results of those experiments will be revealed in upcoming GSI videos and an eventual documentary. Currently, the video and audio recordings are being closely examined. What will they show? I don't know. But there were definitely weird occurrences that I experienced with my own eyes and ears.
The following day...we slept in. Because that's what you do when you investigate unexplained phenomena until nearly 4am.
After we woke up, we chose to explore some of the back story to this horrible tragedy. None of us knew what to emotionally expect when we visited the location of Spahn Ranch, which was originally designed as a set of Old West style buildings and was used in many Hollywood productions.
But in 1969, Manson and his followers called this place home. The directions we found online were hard to decipher, so we found ourselves wandering through a lot of brush. Most of the directions did remind us to watch out for rattlesnakes, but they never warned that if you use a rattlesnake app on your phone to make people jump and scream, it's "Not funny!" (In truth, it's very funny.)
We knew we were on the right trail when we discovered what has become known, because of a photo published in Life Magazine, as the Manson Family Cave.
Josh Bragg, me, Sean Spinks, Jessica FreeburgNatalie Fowler, Scott Spinks, Shawn McCann, Sammy Sarzoza
Finally, we found it...
A wildfire in 1970 had completely burned the ranch down, but the area still has a powerful effect.
While we had been searching for the location, we all remained near each other and were very talkative. But once we reached the plateau, no one said a word and everyone walked off to let the place personally sink in.
For me, it was an unsettling mix of deep sorrow and confusion, and a chilling reminder that history is not just something you read about or hear pop up in conversations. Looking around, in the distance, you can see a row of houses that weren't there in 1969. Beyond those houses is Los Angeles. It was scary to consider a previous population of that city, so close in proximity, having no idea what was being planned by a bunch of severely brainwashed people and their seriously disturbed leader at a nearby rundown movie set.
Eventually, we started to gather together again.
Yes, the few days I spent with GSI were unforgettable.
When some friends in Minnesota formed Ghost Stories, Inc. ("Authors and Artists Seeking Inspiration Through Paranormal Research"), I routinely salivated over updates on their investigations. When they organized an outing in my home state, they very generously asked if I'd like to join them. To which I replied, "Well, let me think ab--YES!!!"
A few days ago, GSI and I rented a townhouse in Hollywood. In preparation for that night's adventure into the unknown, they made sure all of their equipment was operating correctly. Here, Shawn shows me the thermal imaging attachment for his phone. [Full names will be given in the group photo below.]
What notoriously haunted location were we about to investigate? In 1969, several followers of Charles Manson brutally killed seven people over two days in what is often called the Tate-Labianca murders. One of the victims, Steven Parent, went to school with my mom.
(yearbook photo)The house owned by another victim, Sharon Tate, has since been demolished because of its history, but a home a few doors down reportedly displays many signs of paranormal activity. Some "ghost hunting" television shows have recorded episodes there, and now it was GSI's turn.
When Jessica knocked on David Oman's door, I looked around at the crew I was lucky to be standing with. What most impresses me about these people, who range from skeptics to believers, is the way they approach their investigations.
GSI chose this location to investigate because of its infamy and the reports of its activity, but they approached their job without wanting to sensationalize. Like any of their outings, they simply wanted to see what they could find, whether it related to the well-publicized history of the place or not.
Here are Jessica, Josh, and Sammy organizing some of their equipment. I did non-technical stuff like taping down cables, holding flashlights, and something called, "No, don't touch that!"
While others in the crew set up infrared cameras, Scott instructed them through a walkie-talkie on how to adjust the angles.
While cameras were getting set into position, Josh filmed Jessica interviewing David about his experiences in the house.
And then we were ready to go.
We went from room-to-room, performing various experiments. The results of those experiments will be revealed in upcoming GSI videos and an eventual documentary. Currently, the video and audio recordings are being closely examined. What will they show? I don't know. But there were definitely weird occurrences that I experienced with my own eyes and ears.
The following day...we slept in. Because that's what you do when you investigate unexplained phenomena until nearly 4am.
After we woke up, we chose to explore some of the back story to this horrible tragedy. None of us knew what to emotionally expect when we visited the location of Spahn Ranch, which was originally designed as a set of Old West style buildings and was used in many Hollywood productions.
But in 1969, Manson and his followers called this place home. The directions we found online were hard to decipher, so we found ourselves wandering through a lot of brush. Most of the directions did remind us to watch out for rattlesnakes, but they never warned that if you use a rattlesnake app on your phone to make people jump and scream, it's "Not funny!" (In truth, it's very funny.)
We knew we were on the right trail when we discovered what has become known, because of a photo published in Life Magazine, as the Manson Family Cave.
Josh Bragg, me, Sean Spinks, Jessica FreeburgNatalie Fowler, Scott Spinks, Shawn McCann, Sammy Sarzoza
Finally, we found it...
A wildfire in 1970 had completely burned the ranch down, but the area still has a powerful effect.
While we had been searching for the location, we all remained near each other and were very talkative. But once we reached the plateau, no one said a word and everyone walked off to let the place personally sink in.
For me, it was an unsettling mix of deep sorrow and confusion, and a chilling reminder that history is not just something you read about or hear pop up in conversations. Looking around, in the distance, you can see a row of houses that weren't there in 1969. Beyond those houses is Los Angeles. It was scary to consider a previous population of that city, so close in proximity, having no idea what was being planned by a bunch of severely brainwashed people and their seriously disturbed leader at a nearby rundown movie set.
Eventually, we started to gather together again.
Yes, the few days I spent with GSI were unforgettable.
December 11, 2014
50 States Against Bullying: NEW YORK
The twenty-fifth stop on the 50 States Against Bullying campaign brought me to New York. As stated in my last post, I love me some Christmas. And the holiday season in New York has a feel unlike anywhere else. They even sell trees unlike anywhere else!
The building I spoke in, The Packer Collegiate Institute, was beautiful both outside...
...and inside.
If I knew there'd be a pipe organ behind me when I spoke, I would've worn a white half-mask. You know, like in Phantom of the Opera? Maybe not for the whole presentation, but at least for a cool photo op!
Instead, I spoke with my boring ol' full-face.
Being in New York, it was an honor to have so many people from my publishing house show up to hear me speak. These are the people responsible for getting my books out to you, and often getting me out to see you. Basically, they're people I'm completely indebted to, and yet I also really like them all as people. How cool is that!?
Emily Romero, Carmella Iaria (this tour was her idea), Elyse MarshallBen Schrank, Jessica Almon, Kristen Pettit, Casey McIntyre
Kristen's at a different publishing house now, but she edited Thirteen Reasons Why, so we're eternally connected!
Felicia Frazier
Elizabeth Zajac(manages my crazy 50-state itinerary)
This school visit had a lot of great and hilarious moments. During the Q&A, a guy accidentally called it the 50 States Against America tour, which provided a nice laugh and earned him a well-deserved high-five.
A girl wrote me a very nice letter with this as its cover:
Another girl asked me a question that, while not true, I now can't not see. She asked if the girl who modeled for the cover of Thirteen Reasons Why was Jennifer Aniston.
I actually don't know who the model is. But if anyone does know her, tell her I'd love to get my book signed by her!
The building I spoke in, The Packer Collegiate Institute, was beautiful both outside...
...and inside.
If I knew there'd be a pipe organ behind me when I spoke, I would've worn a white half-mask. You know, like in Phantom of the Opera? Maybe not for the whole presentation, but at least for a cool photo op!
Instead, I spoke with my boring ol' full-face.
Being in New York, it was an honor to have so many people from my publishing house show up to hear me speak. These are the people responsible for getting my books out to you, and often getting me out to see you. Basically, they're people I'm completely indebted to, and yet I also really like them all as people. How cool is that!?
Emily Romero, Carmella Iaria (this tour was her idea), Elyse MarshallBen Schrank, Jessica Almon, Kristen Pettit, Casey McIntyreKristen's at a different publishing house now, but she edited Thirteen Reasons Why, so we're eternally connected!
Felicia Frazier
Elizabeth Zajac(manages my crazy 50-state itinerary)This school visit had a lot of great and hilarious moments. During the Q&A, a guy accidentally called it the 50 States Against America tour, which provided a nice laugh and earned him a well-deserved high-five.
A girl wrote me a very nice letter with this as its cover:
Another girl asked me a question that, while not true, I now can't not see. She asked if the girl who modeled for the cover of Thirteen Reasons Why was Jennifer Aniston.
I actually don't know who the model is. But if anyone does know her, tell her I'd love to get my book signed by her!
December 8, 2014
50 States Against Bullying: ARIZONA
Stop twenty-four on the 50 States Against Bullying campaign brought me to Arizona. The Arizona Inn, where I stayed, had the lobby beautifully decorated for the season. And if you know me, you know that I love me some Christmas!
They also had a gingerbread house made to look like the inn. So...it's a gingerbread inn, I suppose.
I spoke at Salpointe Catholic High School. They had a great interactive display with QR codes to scan with your phone.
Here's a photo I swiped from the school's Twitter account of me speaking with their students, almost all of whom had read the book. (Is that the correct use of whom? I usually avoid that word if I'm unsure. But I think this is right. Right???)
Salpointe has a beautiful program called IMPACT. Students spend a week each year considering hunger, the environment, and others who are suffering, and then work on projects within those areas. It's a program that should be used around the country. Maybe one day! Until then, these students get the benefit of experiencing the beauty of helping others.
When I was done, I was given this bracelet.
On the back, it says "Be Kind. Step Up!" The website where you track the bracelets says they're to be used in "recognizing ordinary (and extraordinary) acts of kindness and supporting those who step up to help make a difference." My job now is to notice the kindness of someone else and pass this bracelet onto them.
It's kind of fun to be on the lookout for kindness!
They also had a gingerbread house made to look like the inn. So...it's a gingerbread inn, I suppose.
I spoke at Salpointe Catholic High School. They had a great interactive display with QR codes to scan with your phone.
Here's a photo I swiped from the school's Twitter account of me speaking with their students, almost all of whom had read the book. (Is that the correct use of whom? I usually avoid that word if I'm unsure. But I think this is right. Right???)
Salpointe has a beautiful program called IMPACT. Students spend a week each year considering hunger, the environment, and others who are suffering, and then work on projects within those areas. It's a program that should be used around the country. Maybe one day! Until then, these students get the benefit of experiencing the beauty of helping others.
When I was done, I was given this bracelet.
On the back, it says "Be Kind. Step Up!" The website where you track the bracelets says they're to be used in "recognizing ordinary (and extraordinary) acts of kindness and supporting those who step up to help make a difference." My job now is to notice the kindness of someone else and pass this bracelet onto them.
It's kind of fun to be on the lookout for kindness!
December 6, 2014
50 States Against Bullying: SOUTH CAROLINA
Stop twenty-three on the 50 States Against Bullying campaign brought me to South Carolina. On Friday, I had the chance to speak at two nearby high schools. At Hanahan High School, the front of the stage was full of #ReasonsWhyYouMatter cards.
Some students designed shirts for my visit.
This person wasn't wearing a specially made shirt, but her name made her appropriate for a special photo.
Hannah Baker and Jay Asher
From there, I went to Cane Bay High School, grabbing a selfie as I entered the auditorium.
The freshmen at Cane Bay read Thirteen Reasons Why with an "interdisciplinary curriculum unit between English, math, science and social studies." (That's what my publisher wrote in my itinerary. I don't use words like 'interdisciplinary curriculum' myself.) This, of course, contributed to many questions that I haven't been asked before, which is always fun. After the presentation, a teacher and student came up to ask about the use of ivy in my book. Apparently it's mentioned three or four times, though I only recalled one scene. And their description of ivy as a metaphor was so brilliant, I'm totally going to say I did that on purpose from now on!
There are so many historical sites around Charleston, and I can't wait to return and explore more than I had the chance to this time. Something both historic and natural, and absolutely beautiful, huge, and mesmerizing, is the Angel Oak Tree. It's just so...so...beautiful! And huge! And mesmerizing!
I was also invited, and attended, both the Hanahan and Cane Bay high school faculty Christmas parties. I'll admit, I'm sad to leave after getting to know so many of them more than I usually have the chance to on this tour. So now, I guess I have another reason to come back!
Some students designed shirts for my visit.
This person wasn't wearing a specially made shirt, but her name made her appropriate for a special photo.
Hannah Baker and Jay AsherFrom there, I went to Cane Bay High School, grabbing a selfie as I entered the auditorium.
The freshmen at Cane Bay read Thirteen Reasons Why with an "interdisciplinary curriculum unit between English, math, science and social studies." (That's what my publisher wrote in my itinerary. I don't use words like 'interdisciplinary curriculum' myself.) This, of course, contributed to many questions that I haven't been asked before, which is always fun. After the presentation, a teacher and student came up to ask about the use of ivy in my book. Apparently it's mentioned three or four times, though I only recalled one scene. And their description of ivy as a metaphor was so brilliant, I'm totally going to say I did that on purpose from now on!
There are so many historical sites around Charleston, and I can't wait to return and explore more than I had the chance to this time. Something both historic and natural, and absolutely beautiful, huge, and mesmerizing, is the Angel Oak Tree. It's just so...so...beautiful! And huge! And mesmerizing!
I was also invited, and attended, both the Hanahan and Cane Bay high school faculty Christmas parties. I'll admit, I'm sad to leave after getting to know so many of them more than I usually have the chance to on this tour. So now, I guess I have another reason to come back!
December 4, 2014
50 States Against Bullying: UTAH
Stop number twenty-two on the 50 States Against Bullying campaign flew me to Utah. Still blocks away from my hotel, I noticed so many colorful lights in the distance. Christmas lights! As I got closer, "so many colorful lights" turned into sooooooo many colorful lights. They were beautiful from the ground, and just as beautiful from the seventh floor of my hotel.
Crazy, right? Ogden, Utah, baby!
It was easy to see I was in the right place when I arrived at Two Rivers High School.
Windows leading into the room where I'd speak were covered with #ReasonsWhyYouMatter cards. One particular card struck me as such a simple and pure truth, which so many continue to struggle to understand.
In my last post, I told you how inspired I am by students at the schools I visit. Now I need to tell you how inspired I am by so many faculty members and administrators at these schools. Even before this tour, on my regular author visits, some schools faced push-back from people who were uncomfortable bringing an author in to talk about the serious issues in Thirteen Reasons Why. But the schools recognized that this uncomfortableness and seriousness is exactly why we need to open or continue conversations in whatever ways work. So I have much respect for the people responsible for inviting me and making these visits happen.
These inspiring students are in great hands.
Speaking of inspiring! Ms. Cox continues to prove that she is one of the most inspiring teachers I've met in my seven years as an author. The programs she puts together for her students every year is astonishing. Before I left Two Rivers, she presented me with two writing journals made out of books. One was for me, and one for my son, Isaiah. Spiral-bound, they combine original pages from the books with blank pages.
The note she wrote in Isaiah's book brought me to tears.
Crazy, right? Ogden, Utah, baby!
It was easy to see I was in the right place when I arrived at Two Rivers High School.
Windows leading into the room where I'd speak were covered with #ReasonsWhyYouMatter cards. One particular card struck me as such a simple and pure truth, which so many continue to struggle to understand.
In my last post, I told you how inspired I am by students at the schools I visit. Now I need to tell you how inspired I am by so many faculty members and administrators at these schools. Even before this tour, on my regular author visits, some schools faced push-back from people who were uncomfortable bringing an author in to talk about the serious issues in Thirteen Reasons Why. But the schools recognized that this uncomfortableness and seriousness is exactly why we need to open or continue conversations in whatever ways work. So I have much respect for the people responsible for inviting me and making these visits happen.
These inspiring students are in great hands.
Speaking of inspiring! Ms. Cox continues to prove that she is one of the most inspiring teachers I've met in my seven years as an author. The programs she puts together for her students every year is astonishing. Before I left Two Rivers, she presented me with two writing journals made out of books. One was for me, and one for my son, Isaiah. Spiral-bound, they combine original pages from the books with blank pages.
The note she wrote in Isaiah's book brought me to tears.
December 3, 2014
50 States Against Bullying: COLORADO
Stop number twenty-one of the 50 States Against Bullying campaign was a school in Colorado. Cherry Creek High School is located right next to Campus Middle School. And while I spoke at the high school, I love the name of the middle school!
During the planning stages, I imagine someone asked, "What should we name this campus?" And someone heard, "What should we name this? Campus?"
Be clear with your punctuation, people!
Cherry Creek had cool posters all around the campus (not to be confused with the middle school). There were several like the one below, where new tags were added over time as they got closer to my visit.
To highlight the problem of cyberbullying, they had students leave positive messages on a large smartphone.
And the #ReasonsWhyYouMatter cards were hung with such care.
A previous event at Cherry Creek used these stickers, which they brought back out for another round with my visit. People wore them on shirts, backpacks, and placed them on books.
Many schools don't have room to do this, but I love it when neighboring schools are invited to send students to join the audience. At Cherry Creek, several other schools brought students to one of my presentations.
There were also some parents, psychologists, and the superintendent in attendance.
As they left the room, if they wanted, students could sign this banner.
I'm always amazed at how many schools are already doing so much to tackle bullying and prevent suicides. At both presentations, I was introduced by members of S.P.O.T. (Suicide Prevention Of Teens).
Honestly, visiting these schools has me so inspired about the future. I kind of want us adults to get out of the way right now and hand it over. But it'll happen eventually, and I feel good about that. It's also a reminder of how much more giving and thoughtful I could have been at a much younger age. But it's never too late to start living by the examples of these students. And one day they'll graduate, hopefully feeling proud of their time in high school.
(But the Class of '93 still rocks them all!)
During the planning stages, I imagine someone asked, "What should we name this campus?" And someone heard, "What should we name this? Campus?"
Be clear with your punctuation, people!
Cherry Creek had cool posters all around the campus (not to be confused with the middle school). There were several like the one below, where new tags were added over time as they got closer to my visit.
To highlight the problem of cyberbullying, they had students leave positive messages on a large smartphone.
And the #ReasonsWhyYouMatter cards were hung with such care.
A previous event at Cherry Creek used these stickers, which they brought back out for another round with my visit. People wore them on shirts, backpacks, and placed them on books.
Many schools don't have room to do this, but I love it when neighboring schools are invited to send students to join the audience. At Cherry Creek, several other schools brought students to one of my presentations.
There were also some parents, psychologists, and the superintendent in attendance.
As they left the room, if they wanted, students could sign this banner.
I'm always amazed at how many schools are already doing so much to tackle bullying and prevent suicides. At both presentations, I was introduced by members of S.P.O.T. (Suicide Prevention Of Teens).
Honestly, visiting these schools has me so inspired about the future. I kind of want us adults to get out of the way right now and hand it over. But it'll happen eventually, and I feel good about that. It's also a reminder of how much more giving and thoughtful I could have been at a much younger age. But it's never too late to start living by the examples of these students. And one day they'll graduate, hopefully feeling proud of their time in high school.
(But the Class of '93 still rocks them all!)
December 2, 2014
50 States Against Bullying: LOUISIANA
Visit number twenty on the 50 States Against Bullying campaign brought me to Louisiana. Unfortunately, every time I'm in the New Orleans area, I have very little chance to explore. But I do get in as much as I can! Even late at night, there are beautiful images everywhere.
Of course, right around the corner from the above building were sights I would've had a hard time photographing without requiring major edits to make appropriate for this family blog.
So instead, here's another image I captured!
Riding in a taxi to The New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High School (awesomely shortened to Sci High!), I was reminded of all this area is still recovering from after Hurricane Katrina.
For example, Sci High had to move out of its damaged building into what used to be an elementary school. Inside, it still has that feel, though they've made it their own.
It was very moving to hear about all the changes that were forced upon them, and how it's possible to use forced change an opportunity to rethink things and grow. Even the faculty restroom offered beautiful advice.
The students were wonderful to speak with, as usual.
During the Q&A, someone asked a question I've been asked a lot on this tour. "Why did you pick our school?" It was a simple question this time. Sometimes people continue that question, wondering if it was because someone thought there was a specific need at that school to get a handle on bullying.
The answer is no, but it's always a very thoughtful question. Every school, unfortunately, deals with this problem. Some more than others. But all sorts of factors went into choosing the schools. Some choices, if between a few schools in a state, simply came down to timing in relation to other schools. I personally told my publisher that I wanted to go to whichever schools seemed most excited about approaching this issue in a unique way.
The sad fact is, I've been getting a very skewed view of educational institutions on this tour. So many of the schools I'm visiting are ones that already look for unique ways to address all sorts of issues. Thankfully, I've been hearing from other schools who are following this tour, and they say they're now even more inspired to think outside the box regarding this issue.
Thanks for this shirt, Sci High!
And thanks for treating me to lunch, Octavia Books.
For dessert, we had the most delicious thing I've tasted in a long time: red bean ice cream between warm beignets.
Mmmmm...
Finally, here's another sign from that same faculty restroom that I had even more fun contemplating!
Of course, right around the corner from the above building were sights I would've had a hard time photographing without requiring major edits to make appropriate for this family blog.
So instead, here's another image I captured!
Riding in a taxi to The New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High School (awesomely shortened to Sci High!), I was reminded of all this area is still recovering from after Hurricane Katrina.
For example, Sci High had to move out of its damaged building into what used to be an elementary school. Inside, it still has that feel, though they've made it their own.
It was very moving to hear about all the changes that were forced upon them, and how it's possible to use forced change an opportunity to rethink things and grow. Even the faculty restroom offered beautiful advice.
The students were wonderful to speak with, as usual.
During the Q&A, someone asked a question I've been asked a lot on this tour. "Why did you pick our school?" It was a simple question this time. Sometimes people continue that question, wondering if it was because someone thought there was a specific need at that school to get a handle on bullying.
The answer is no, but it's always a very thoughtful question. Every school, unfortunately, deals with this problem. Some more than others. But all sorts of factors went into choosing the schools. Some choices, if between a few schools in a state, simply came down to timing in relation to other schools. I personally told my publisher that I wanted to go to whichever schools seemed most excited about approaching this issue in a unique way.
The sad fact is, I've been getting a very skewed view of educational institutions on this tour. So many of the schools I'm visiting are ones that already look for unique ways to address all sorts of issues. Thankfully, I've been hearing from other schools who are following this tour, and they say they're now even more inspired to think outside the box regarding this issue.
Thanks for this shirt, Sci High!
And thanks for treating me to lunch, Octavia Books.
For dessert, we had the most delicious thing I've tasted in a long time: red bean ice cream between warm beignets.
Mmmmm...
Finally, here's another sign from that same faculty restroom that I had even more fun contemplating!
December 1, 2014
50 States Against Bullying: FLORIDA
Stop number nineteen on the 50 States Against Bullying campaign brought me to Florida. Because I went to high school in the early 90s and was very much into music (wanting to be a rockstar), knowing I would be visiting a school in Broward County made me think of one thing: 2 Live Crew being Banned in the U.S.A.
So it was especially thrilling to visit this area and have an amazing school visit at North Broward Prep. The faculty I had the opportunity to meet were so nice, and when I told them how impressed I was at what they'd put together for my visit, they smiled and admitted they could be a bit competitive. Check out this display of #ReasonsWhyYouMatter cards!
They left one card blank for me to fill in. But then I saw that a teacher had already used what I wanted to say. So...I expanded on what he said and one-upped him. Because I can be competitive, too!
The following display of cassette tapes (there were 13, of course) weren't simply graphics on a heavy paper. They included a code to scan with your phone so you could listen to students talks about someone else who did something kind for them. And they were beautiful, thoughtful stories! This is Ryan, they guy who set up the technology for this.
They also had a fun display, superimposing faces of people who help out the library onto superheroes. (Did you see what I did there? I used the word super twice!) And after a bit of looking, I found myself included.
The students normally only wear uniforms for special occasions. When I asked what was special about today, they stared at me, blinked, then informed me, and I said, "Oh. Right. Of course!"
And then I felt guilty for wearing jeans. Because I totally could've worn my pleated skirt!
I signed a book to two friends named Hannah and Clay, which was a first for me. (They appeared to be happy, so that was good.)
And while I've signed copies of Paige Rawl's Positive a few times now (I wrote the foreword to her memior), this was my first time signing copies of Tom Angleberger's The Secret of the Fortune Wookiee (which is dedicated to me).
In a previous post about a previous school visit, I mentioned seeing the 50 States Against Bullying bookbag for the first time, and I made a comment that I'd love a 50 States Against Bullying coffee mug. So, with the names of the schools I'm visiting on this tour printed on it (and filled with caramel macchiato!)...
I had a yummy outdoor lunch with faculty and certain students, where we were entertained by guitar music from the guitar teacher. (Yes, they have a guitar teacher. When I told him I play a little, he offered me his guitar, to which I laughed. The visit had been going well so far and I didn't want to spoil it.) Then another student, Ryan, played the guitar to accompany Christie's recitation of "Soul Alone" from Thirteen Reasons Why.
Heading out, I stopped to take a selfie across from a sign that welcomed me to the school.
And here ya go...
So it was especially thrilling to visit this area and have an amazing school visit at North Broward Prep. The faculty I had the opportunity to meet were so nice, and when I told them how impressed I was at what they'd put together for my visit, they smiled and admitted they could be a bit competitive. Check out this display of #ReasonsWhyYouMatter cards!
They left one card blank for me to fill in. But then I saw that a teacher had already used what I wanted to say. So...I expanded on what he said and one-upped him. Because I can be competitive, too!
The following display of cassette tapes (there were 13, of course) weren't simply graphics on a heavy paper. They included a code to scan with your phone so you could listen to students talks about someone else who did something kind for them. And they were beautiful, thoughtful stories! This is Ryan, they guy who set up the technology for this.
They also had a fun display, superimposing faces of people who help out the library onto superheroes. (Did you see what I did there? I used the word super twice!) And after a bit of looking, I found myself included.
The students normally only wear uniforms for special occasions. When I asked what was special about today, they stared at me, blinked, then informed me, and I said, "Oh. Right. Of course!"
And then I felt guilty for wearing jeans. Because I totally could've worn my pleated skirt!
I signed a book to two friends named Hannah and Clay, which was a first for me. (They appeared to be happy, so that was good.)
And while I've signed copies of Paige Rawl's Positive a few times now (I wrote the foreword to her memior), this was my first time signing copies of Tom Angleberger's The Secret of the Fortune Wookiee (which is dedicated to me).
In a previous post about a previous school visit, I mentioned seeing the 50 States Against Bullying bookbag for the first time, and I made a comment that I'd love a 50 States Against Bullying coffee mug. So, with the names of the schools I'm visiting on this tour printed on it (and filled with caramel macchiato!)...
I had a yummy outdoor lunch with faculty and certain students, where we were entertained by guitar music from the guitar teacher. (Yes, they have a guitar teacher. When I told him I play a little, he offered me his guitar, to which I laughed. The visit had been going well so far and I didn't want to spoil it.) Then another student, Ryan, played the guitar to accompany Christie's recitation of "Soul Alone" from Thirteen Reasons Why.
Heading out, I stopped to take a selfie across from a sign that welcomed me to the school.
And here ya go...
November 14, 2014
50 States Against Bullying: INDIANA
School visit number eighteen of the 50 States Against Bullying campaign took place in Indiana. It was a beautiful drive from my last stop, ending at the beautiful Brookville Inn. I’m usually weary about staying at bed & breakfasts because it can feel a loy like being a guest in someone’s house. Someone you’ve never met! As well, after speaking to hundreds of students at a school, I usually just want to be by myself, and sometimes B&B owners want to chat. And I hate “chat”. Chit-chat, small talk, shootin’ the breeze. That’s not me! But it had been arranged for me to stay here, so I drove up and went inside.
Thankfully, these people were great! I found myself asking them questions. And after perusing their selection of books, they were probably people I would love to chat with!
(But I didn’t.)
The next morning, I woke up and it was nineteen-degrees outside. If my son had seen my car windshield, he probably would have asked if Elsa had formed these frozen fractals all around.
(Just kidding. This is a close-up of Elsa's dress!)
At Franklin County High School, notecards were hung in the hallway with care…
and #ReasonsWhyYouMatter were proclaimed far and near.
(Yes, now you know why the main poem in Thirteen Reasons Why was written by my wife.)
Before I took the stage, thirteen students summed up Hannah Baker’s reasons from the book. And then they did a recitation of Soul Alone (the poem that a lot of people claim is their favorite part of the book...which is the only part I didn't write, so…yeah…).
Whenever I take a photo from the stage, it's hilarious to see people quickly primp for the camera. Even people in the very back!
But it’s one of the most humbling feelings when, after my talk is done and I thank them for listening, this happens.
After speaking, I signed books in the library. Then I hung out in the library to chat as I waited to have lunch with thirteen essay-winning students. Any guesses as to how I got this photo of me sitting at a table?
I swiped it from Twitter, where one of these students shared it!
As I have mentioned before, I wrote the foreword to a recent memoir by Paige Rawl called Positive. She’s an Indiana native and spoke at this same school very recently. So while we haven’t met in person, and I have already signed a few of her books while at a previous stop, this was my first time signing books that she had recently signed herself.
Hopefully soon our paths will cross and we’ll sign books together!
Finally, here are two signs posted outside a factory in Brookville that I thought were beautiful sentiments for a company to send their employees home with.
#ReasonsWhyYouMatter, indeed.
Thankfully, these people were great! I found myself asking them questions. And after perusing their selection of books, they were probably people I would love to chat with!
(But I didn’t.)
The next morning, I woke up and it was nineteen-degrees outside. If my son had seen my car windshield, he probably would have asked if Elsa had formed these frozen fractals all around.
(Just kidding. This is a close-up of Elsa's dress!)At Franklin County High School, notecards were hung in the hallway with care…
and #ReasonsWhyYouMatter were proclaimed far and near.
(Yes, now you know why the main poem in Thirteen Reasons Why was written by my wife.)
Before I took the stage, thirteen students summed up Hannah Baker’s reasons from the book. And then they did a recitation of Soul Alone (the poem that a lot of people claim is their favorite part of the book...which is the only part I didn't write, so…yeah…).
Whenever I take a photo from the stage, it's hilarious to see people quickly primp for the camera. Even people in the very back!
But it’s one of the most humbling feelings when, after my talk is done and I thank them for listening, this happens.
After speaking, I signed books in the library. Then I hung out in the library to chat as I waited to have lunch with thirteen essay-winning students. Any guesses as to how I got this photo of me sitting at a table?
I swiped it from Twitter, where one of these students shared it!
As I have mentioned before, I wrote the foreword to a recent memoir by Paige Rawl called Positive. She’s an Indiana native and spoke at this same school very recently. So while we haven’t met in person, and I have already signed a few of her books while at a previous stop, this was my first time signing books that she had recently signed herself.
Hopefully soon our paths will cross and we’ll sign books together!
Finally, here are two signs posted outside a factory in Brookville that I thought were beautiful sentiments for a company to send their employees home with.
#ReasonsWhyYouMatter, indeed.
