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The 2009 PAMKA Book Fair
a r o u n d m k a
The 2009 Book Fair
With the theme o f “Read Around the World,” the 2009 PAMKA Book Fair was, once again, the destination o f choice for some very big names in the world o f adult and children’s literature.
Under the talented chairmanship of parents Renee Rivlin and Claire Wilks and their army of volunteers, students, families and faculty enjoyed a range of activities that encouraged all concerned to support the event and ensure that MKA resoundingly maintained its position as the largest Scholastic Book Fair in the country. “You are the talk of Scholastic,” noted PAMKA Book Fair consultant, past parent and Scholastic EVP Judy Newman MacGregor, “and a wonderful example of how a school can involve parents, raise money through an amazing, fun literacy event, and support books and reading for every child (and teacher) in the school.”
An evening event with New York Times best-selling political thriller writer Vince Flynn kicked off the festivities, while tri-campus faculty and staff flocked to a special Faculty Tea in record numbers. An Ice Cream Sundae Social was the highlight on Sunday’s kick-off shopping day as MKA families, together with members of the public, enjoyed a spectacular selection of books at the Middle School campus.
For the next three days, students were treated to remarkable presentations from an extraordinary array of authors. In addition to Flynn, Middle School students heard insights into the writing process from Patrick Carmen, Scott Westerfeld and the 2010 Newbery Medal winner Rebecca Stead; Upper School students were treated to an unforgettable morning with Christopher McDougall; and Brooksiders were entranced by presentations from Marla Frazee, Judy Schachner and Patricia Polacco.
As MKA students enjoyed their visitors, the guests equally enjoyed the students, each one commenting on the quality of questions, politeness and general “niceness” of the student body. “That was hands-down
the best day I’ve ever had at a book event,” raved Born to R un’s author Christopher McDougall,
while, acknowledging the work of the parent volunteers, Scholastic’s Director o f Special Events Carol Levine noted. “All of you make it my pleasure to be a part of the MKA Book Fair. I love watching the kids and the authors interact. I have spoken to or heard from all the authors and they were THRILLED by the children and the school. MKA is such a special place. Thanks for sharing it with me.”
review spring 2010
