“I have been a reader my whole life and I want you to be a reader your whole life too!” was the message that students received during a recent visit by children’s author Dusti Bowling. Bowling visited GMS and all three elementary schools. Students from grade 2-8 across the district were able to attend assemblies where the author emphasized the importance of reading and becoming a lifelong reader. She urged students to limit screen time, read more books, and spend time in nature. Bowling shared stories about life on her small farm in Arizona and her love of animals and nature.

Students also learned about how the writer takes a story idea through the writing process, and multiple revisions, before eventual publication. The author’s love of reading led her to become a writer. She spread a message of hope to the young writers in the audience that they, one day, could also become published writers.

As a special treat, a group of students in grades 3-5 at Narragansett Elementary School was able to have lunch with her. This lunch was a highlight of the visit for the students.

Students examined props that she brought with her such as rattlesnake skins and rattles, other dangerous snakes skins, as well as spiders and scorpions in resin, and the science and stories behind them.

The funding for this Gorham school visit was provided through a generous grant from Aspire Gorham.