Simone Elkeles, author of the “Perfect Chemistry” series and the “Leaving Paradise” series, is coming to Niles West Wednesday, April 8 in the Auditorium. All English classes that have signed up will attend one of the two sessions available.
There will be a Simone Elkeles’ Book Sale from March 21 to April 7 in the IRC. Students and teachers can purchase these books and bring them to be signed during Elkeles’ visit.
Elkeles’ books are extremely popular and are very hard to get a copy of in the IRC.
“It’s kind of cool to have a book you love signed by the author, so by bringing her well-loved books to West, it’s easier for Simone’s super-fans to get their own copies signed. Simone’s books are difficult to keep on the shelves in the IRC because they are so popular, so they are more accessible on sale,” said English teacher Ellen Foley. “That way, students can add to them to their bookshelves at home or, better yet, pass them along to a friend. Students can enter a raffle to win lunch with Simone (no purchase required).”
Lots of hard work and planning has gone into Elkeles’ visit.
“A student in my English class is responsible for bringing Simone to West. She mentioned that she knows Simone’s daughter after noticing a few students were reading Perfect Chemistry during their independent reading time. I asked her if she would ask Simone if she could come to West. She did, and Simone – thankfully – said yes. Another student of mine who has read all of Simone’s books has also been instrumental in planning the details of her visit,” Foley explained.
Although reading isn’t exactly the first thing some high school students would like to do, Elkeles’ books prove that there are interesting books out there.
“Many students tell me they ‘hate reading’ or have never read a book they liked. When our librarians – Ms. Baehr and Ms. Stallard – recommend Simone’s books to them, they almost always end up changing their minds,” Foley added.
Also, Freshman Break for Books will be Friday, April 10 in the IRC. All freshman English classes are invited to listen to book talks about titles from the Summer Reading List and buy books at discounted prices. Book prices will range from $4-$6.
