Dear Bryan,
I wanted to take the time to write you and let you know how much we appreciated your wonderful presentation at Stanley Elementary in North Dakota. My daughter is in the 4th grade, and in less than 24 hours, she has read the entire first book in your “Dragons in our Midst” series and is half way through the second book. At first I thought it wasn’t possible for her to read such a large book in less than a day. I thought she couldn’t possibly be getting the details out of the story and that she was just skimming over it, but she already took the “Accelerated Reader” test on your book during school this afternoon, and she passed with flying colors. It amazes me that she could have your presentation yesterday morning, where you got her interested in your books, and by the next day, she passed the test on it and is half way through the next book in the series.
Like I said earlier, I have to admit that after she read the first book so quickly, I told her to slow down because I didn’t think she was really reading the details of the book and I wanted her to enjoy them. Meghyn’s exact words were, “I know I’m getting the details out of it because it’s such an interesting book to read! I think I have a new obsession!” I had to laugh and just let it go, and her test scores proved that she really was reading the entire book with enthusiasm and accuracy. I couldn’t be more impressed!!!
You have definitely inspired her, and she can’t seem to talk about anything else but what she’s read. I especially liked that you told the students that the difference between someone who accomplishes their goals/dreams and someone who doesn’t, is that they didn’t give up! Meghyn is an untypical girl who was already obsessed with Star Wars, and now she’s got a major passion of Dragons too. She day-dreams of being a dragon like the girl in your books. I think it’s wonderful to give children dreams and an imagination. Buying your “Dragons in our Midst” book set on Monday was definitely a WONDERFUL investment! Now the only problem is that she is going to want to read more than the 4 books we bought! ha/ha
Thank you for writing such great books and for going the extra mile to inspire kids to read and write. It takes a special family to do what you guys are doing, and your giving spirit will pay off in ways that you may never know about! Most authors would never travel to a small town in the middle of North Dakota to inspire a few kids to read and write. I pray your entire family is getting the blessings that you have given to all of us. What an amazing and fruitful life your entire family must have by getting to travel and meet so many people while you give them the gifts of your patience, knowledge, and love.
Again, thank you for everything you’ve done. I just wanted you to know what a difference it has made for my daughter in 4th grade, so that you realize all your time is not in vain by coming out here! I also thought you’d enjoy hearing that almost every child in the class I work in was reading your books during school today!
Sincerely,
Joe and Teresa