Atlanta-based author H.D. Hunter visited the 7th grade English Language Arts (ELA) classes—marking his third annual visit to E.L. Haynes. The partnership was made possible during Black History Month through the Pen Faulkner Foundation’s Writers in Schools Program. When working with the Foundation to identify an author, ELA Teacher Ms. Mercier advocated for Hunter so that students could hear from and read a book by an author who is Black. Ms. Clarke, who co-teaches the class, noted that Hunter discussed what it is like being an author, in addition to talking about the book. “He presented the main character,” she said. “Including how the protagonist changes over time and his personal connection to the character.”
During his previous two visits, Hunter led writing workshops with students. This year, he engaged students in a more traditional question-and-answer session, giving them the opportunity to ask questions about the book. After the discussion, each student received a signed copy of the second book in his Futureland series, Futureland: The Nightmare Hour. Seventh grader Jose M. stayed after class to speak to the author and reflected afterward that, “The experience meeting Mr. Hunter was very cool. I asked a bunch of questions, and he wasn’t bothered. I wish he could come back again when his new book is done.”
The students weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the visit. “I’m always excited to see E.L. Haynes on my schedule when I’m in D.C. doing school visits,” shared Hunter. “Ms. Mercier’s classes have been welcoming me with excitement, curiosity, and thoughtfulness going on three years now.”
Hunter’s visit expanded beyond the seventh grade and gave students across multiple campuses the opportunity to deepen their love of reading. Before seventh grader Genesis C. could read her copy of the book, she said, “My brother (in the 5th grade) saw the book cover and wanted to read it. So I gave it to him.”
Seventh grader Lana H. was also excited to read the series: She borrowed a copy of the first Futureland book so that she could read her copy of the second book in order. “The mystery element of the books I have read is amazing! The suspense keeps you reading and wanting more, making you try to predict what will happen,” she shared. “The climaxes of the books feel terrifying and epic at the same time. And the cliffhangers at the end make me want to read the next book!”
Lana H.’s review connects with the reason why Hunter does author visits in schools like Haynes. “Spending time with them [the students] helps me understand their viewpoints, concerns, and interests—and those are the things I take back to my desk and use to craft the stories I have in mind,” he said. “When I write, I’m thinking of ways to be not only entertaining but enriching, and I don’t think I can do that effectively without spending time with the people whom the art is meant for.”
Thank you to the Pen Faulkner Foundation’s Writers in Schools Program for making this experience possible for E.L. Haynes students!
Written by Nicole Clark | Nicole teaches 7th grade Social Studies at E.L. Haynes.
Editorial Fellows are E.L. Haynes staff with a penchant for storytelling, writing, and the visual arts. Fellows develop and publish original stories that amplify the many voices and perspectives of the E.L. Haynes community.