East Rochester school hosts Australian author's talk on her anti-bullying book

Fifth grader Hannah Garza with author Kathryn Apel. (Courtesy photo/Rochester Schools)

ROCHESTER - East Rochester School students had a special guest stop by last week when author Kathryn Apel paid them a visit.

Apel is the Australian author of "Bully on the Bus," which East Rochester's students in grades two through five had a chance to read aloud recently with the school's librarian, Ruthanne Laine.

On Friday, Nov. 8, Apel visited the school and read some of her work for the students before taking the time to sign books and take photos with her young fans.

Apel, a former teacher and literacy coach, talked about the impact words can have on people of all ages, and how words stay with people for a long time. She also shared some hidden tricks that students should look for in "Bully on the Bus," and explained why she places her words the way she does in the book.

"It was so fun having Kat here to meet the students and talk about her book and the writing process with them," Reading Specialist Nicole Merrigan said.

Fellow Reading Specialist Kristy Croft added, "Our students were very welcoming, and I know they were excited to learn more about a book they've all read and have it brought to life in such a neat way."

Prior to Apel's arrival, students worked during their library time to create their own depictions of wolves and cupcakes, which were both important parts of the book, to display and share with her during her visit.