Busload of Books Tour visits Whitmore Lake Elementary School

In 2021, the Busload of Books Tour sent out an application for schools to become stops on the tour.

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On Tuesday, the family conducted two assemblies with students and staff and gave out their books to students. Following the assemblies, some students were chosen to ask the family questions over lunch, and fill out a paper inquiring about their favorite meal

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A copy of the couple's books "Everywhere, Wonder," given to students in preschool through first grade, and "Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom," given to students in second through sixth grade, were the subject of the assemblies and copies were given away.

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Fifth grader Aaron Ray, who started reading "Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom" when he received it, said he's really enjoying it and is already on Chapter 3. He said his favorite part so far was learning about Yokoyama, a character, getting his fortune.

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Fourth grade teacher Shelly Lyon said that through First Books, a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., the family is partnering with, she has purchased discounted books from a variety of authors, including by Swanson and Behr.

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"I was very excited when I heard they were coming. I had discovered their books, the 'Cookie Chronicles,' last year, so I already had kids reading their books last year, so that was very lucky and I loved them," Lyon said.

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She said her students were excited, and as a fan of the books herself, it was almost like meeting celebrities. Lyon, who has taught for more than two decades, said she has always loved literature and is passionate about sharing her love with kids.

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Melanie Clawson, who is in graduate school to obtain a master's degree in literacy studies, was please to see the students receive the reading boost.

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