MKA's 2013 Book Fair a Resounding Success!
As the trucks left laden with tables, displays and empty book boxes, there was little doubt that PAMKA’s 2013 Book Fair "Reading Oasis: A Cool Place to Discover Hot Books" had been a resounding success. Led by Tri-Campus Chairs Tina Jordan and Stephanie Salzman, an army of volunteers transformed spaces, organized events and once again ensured that MKA maintained its position as the largest Scholastic Book Fair in the country. Desert dioramas, palm tree balloons, and even a full-scale Arabian tent at the Middle School provided the backdrop for four wonderful days, where students, teachers and parents browsed, bought and read books, purchased gift certificates, filled faculty and library Wish Lists and listened to and learned from some of the biggest names in childrens and YA literature.
It was a Fair full of unforgettable moments – from Julianne Moore’s charm, warmth and smile as she answered children’s questions in a packed auditorium, to Melissa Guion ‘89’s delight at being back at Brookside – this time as a visiting author, not a 3rd grader. From Sharon Draper’s powerful, inspirational presentations, to the imagination and humor of Gordon Korman, or from the beauty of Henry Cole’s illustrations coming to life (accompanied by music) in front of children’s eyes, to the creativity and intellect of Blue Balliett. From a gym full of students standing, sitting and sprawling reading Jarrett Krosoczka’s books, to the line of Upper School students waiting to meet Andrew Smith, and from a record-breaking number of faculty enjoying their special Tea, to the smiles of TEAM Academy visitors, with arms full of books.
As always, thanks go out to Scholastic for their support, and to the parents on all three campuses (together with their long-suffering families) who dedicate so much of their time to make this remarkable event possible.
Click here to see photos from the event