APPEARANCES

Horizon Middle School

400 North Kenazo Drive

Horizon City, Texas 79928

Phone: (915) 926-4700

I’ve had several appearances since “The Kids on the Block” was published, but I did not devote a page on my web site on that subject since I considered those presentations just that, an appearance.

This is not to say the appearances were not important or interesting. Every presentation I have made to discuss my novel, “The Kids on the Block” has had value, and was interesting. However, the appearance I made at Horizon Middle School was special, more interesting and unique to say the least.

I thank Principal Mrs. Josie Perez for granting Mrs. Patricia Duran, an 8th grade Language Arts teacher permission to invite me to discuss my book, “The Kids on the Block” with all her students.

All the students in her classes did an extraordinary work on the subject of the story, “The Kids on the Block.” Under her guidance, Mrs. Duran guided the students to dissect the novel. That was not too difficult since, according to Mrs. Duran, the students loved the story, and characters in “The Kids on the Block.”

I was taken aback when I saw all the work they had done in reading the book. Paper chandelier-like lamps were hung with string around the classroom ceiling alongside to the walls. Every paper chandelier had four sides with each side describing the theme, plot, setting and conflict of a given chapter. Paper drawn and colored figurines of the characters the individual student reader liked were hung with string from the four corners of the paper chandelier. On the wall in front of the classroom the students had done a paper mural showing a bar of soap and soap bubbles all around. This mural, which covered most of the front wall, was in honor of the character nicknamed “Soapsuds” in the story.

It was amazing how deep all the students got into the story. All the students had many interesting questions. At the end of every class presentation an autographed copy was raffled and every student received an autographed bookmark.

In thanking the Principal, Mrs. Josie Perez and Teacher, Mrs. Patricia Duran I included a note to the students:

To the students: The work you are doing in Mrs. Duran’s class is beyond extraordinary. All of you are an example of what an excellent student should be. All of you embrace a positive pride in your school and in all that you do. I consider all of you a beacon, a cornerstone, a mold for other student’s. You show that hard-work, dedication and commitment is far better than “taking space” in life; it is the key to being successful in everything you might undertake now and as adults.

I thank you for the basket you gave me as a token of appreciation. I love and will always treasure the marble “shooter,” the “balero,” and “trompo,” as well as the rest of the symbolic items related to your school. Also, thank you for the 64 hand-made post cards you gave me (Log in to the Photo Gallery Page). However, I want you to know the best gift was seeing how much work you have done reading my book, “The Kids on the Block.”

Thank you.

Novel Reviews