Dugarte, A. (2022, May 9). Visiting Author Series Banner [Digital Graphic].
In partnership with Books & Books, the locally-owned, independent bookshop, Carrollton's Visiting Author Series provides opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to build relationships with the written word. Ultimately, with each visiting author, it inspires all members of the community to pursue creative endeavors and connect lessons learned at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart with the wider world.
New York Times bestselling author Aaron Reynolds visited Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 and met with grades M5, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Aaron Reynolds shared some of his writing secrets, read aloud Creepy Crayon! (Book 3 of the Jasper Rabbit's Creepy Tales!), and gave a sneak peek into his newest book, Troubling Tonsils!, the first of the Creepy Tale chapter book series.
Image left: Aaron Reynolds holding Jasper Rabbit plushie entering through the primary library secret door
Image right: Director of Information Services & Lower School Librarian Mrs. Fernandez introduces Aaron Reynolds to a crowd of eager readers
Image middle: Group photo of Aaron Reynolds and the M5, 1ST, 2ND, & 3RD grade classes
Florida author Samantha San Miguel visited Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 had the opportunity to attend the author presentation. Samantha San Miguel shared some of her writing secrets, what it means to adapt, and discussed her historical fiction trilogy series (Spineless, Fathomless, and Harmless).
To prepare for the author visit, the 6th-grade class participated in a Creative Writing Assignment that relates to themes found in Samantha San Miguel’s Spineless series, developed by our school librarians, Mrs. Fernandez and Ms. Dugarte. Students wrote about a mythical creature that is a combination of two native Florida animal species. Stories ranged in styles from documentary writing, epistolary fiction, mystery fiction, and more!
Alexandra Saladrigas earned the opportunity to introduce Samantha San Miguel with her winning entry of the Flaminganther (image left). The top 12 most imaginative, well-researched, and well-written entries received a certificate of creativity and a copy of their hybrid creatures (image right).
From Top Left to Right: Channing Page - Alimingos ; Priscilla Perez -Alepanther ; Alexa Hudson - Peligator ; Alexandra Saladrigas - Flaminganther ; Anouk Otto - Aligather ; Catalin Lago- Flanatee ; Isabella Ariana McKelvey- SqwaHop ; Lamberti- Flalligator ; Olivia Fornell - Manadeer ; Yumeno Natori - Manadile ; Margherita Gandolfi - Pankey ; Michelle Velez Wickmann - Panthfin
On Friday, April 11th, 2025, New York Times bestselling author Geri Halliwell-Horner visited Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart for a moderated conversation with 7th- and 8th-grade students. She also held a brief reading from her Rosie Frost series. A select group of 8th graders asked Mrs. Halliwell-Horner a question related to the series.
Picture 1 (left): 8th-grade student asking author Geri Halliwell-Horner (house left) a question with moderator Librarian Ms. Dugarte (house right).
Picture 2 (middle): Author Geri Halliwell-Horner goes into the crowd to answer more questions and get to know the students better.
Picture 3 (right): 8th-grade student asking author Geri Halliwell-Horner (house left) a question with moderator Librarian Ms. Dugarte (house right).
On Thursday, September 14th, Frozen’s Elsa and Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel, along with acclaimed writer and teacher Cara Mentzel, visited with Lower School M3 - 4th grade students. These talented sisters read from their new children’s book, Proud Mouse, and discussed the creative writing process.
←Picture 1 from left to right: Cara Mentzel, Shine Bright contest winners Sofia Moreno (2nd Grade) and Bianca Uribe (3rd Grade), and Idina Menzel.
→ Picture 2 from left to right: Cara Mentzel and Idina Menzel with their Visiting Author Series poster.
↓Picture 3: Idina Menzel (left) and Cara Mentzel (right) read from their new children's book, Proud Mouse, to (M3 - 4th grade) students.
Carrollton proudly welcomes back Ruth Behar!
On March 1, award-winning children's author, Ruth Behar, visited the 4th and 5th-grade students. Ruth Behar read from her newest book, Across So Many Seas, and discussed the creative writing process.
←Picture 1: Ruth Behar and contest winner Paloma Torres.
→ Picture 2: Ruth Behar visiting with the 4th and 5th Grade students.
↓Picture 3: Ruth Behar in front of display curated by Melinee Fernandez, Director of Information Services, and Alexandra Dugarte, Upper School Librarian.
Carrollton Libraries, in partnership with Books & Books, was excited to have author Jen Calonita speak with the Intermediate and Junior High students on Thursday, September 22, 2022, in the Convocation Center on Barat campus. Jen Calonita discussed her origin story on her passion for reading and writing and also gave the students an ingredient list for what goes into making a great story!
As part of the Visiting Author Series, Renee Amelia Montano (7th grade), the winner of the student writing contest, received an autographed copy of Calonita's latest release, 12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future!, and introduced Jen Calonita at the event.
On October 11, 2022, award-winning children's book author Christina Diaz Gonzalez spoke with Carrollton Intermediate students about her latest book releases and the process of writing. Sixth graders Natalia and Clarissa were the winners of the writing contest and introduced Mrs. Gonzalez at the event, whereas sixth graders Mirentxu and Valentina gave the author a red umbrella signed by the entire 6th-grade class as a thank-you gift.
<--From left to right: Mirentxu Lago, Valentina Flipse, Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Natalia Bracomontes, & Clarissa Castellanos
On October 25, 2022, award-winning children's book author, and Carrollton alumn, Vanessa Garcia '97 spoke with Carrollton's Lower School students about her latest book release, as well as the creative writing process. Second-grader Zoe Negreira was the winner of the writing contest and introduced Mrs. Garcia at the event. The runners-up for the contest were Seanna Chamizo and Bianca Uribe.
<---From left to right: Zoe Negreira, Seanna Chamizo, Vanessa Garcia, & Bianca Uribe
On December 12, 2022, award-winning children’s author, Jess Redman spoke with Carrollton’s 1st and 3rd-grade students about the creative writing process and read from her newest release, Season of Light. Mrs. Redman shared stories about the holiday season and reminded the girls that the light, joy, and spirit of the season are always within them. Third-grader Claire Mitchell was the winner of the writing contest and introduced Mrs. Redman at the event. The runner-up for the contest was Victoria Hughes.
<--- From left: Victoria Hughes, Jess Redman, & Claire Mitchell
On December 14, 2022, New York Times best-selling children's author Dr. Michael Sampson visited Carrollton to promote his latest releases, Armadillo Antics &
[image right] To celebrate Dr. Michael Sampson's latest release, Armadillo Antics, the Montessori students recreated the book cover's armadillo with the help of Librarian Ms. Dugarte.
Carrollton Welcomes back, Ridley Pearson!
On March 3, 2023, the New York Times, Edgar nominee author Ridley Pearson visited the Junior High students to share his new book Kingdom Keepers Inheritance: The Shimmer. The afternoon event was an added bonus to an already fun-filled day celebration of Congé!
As part of Carrollton Libraries' Visiting Author Series, seventh-grade student Maria Elisa Marini introduced Mr. Pearson to her peers and teachers. Ridley Pearson discussed the writing process and engaged the students with optical illusions and amusement park tales.
On Friday, February 4, 2022, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart welcomed author Pam Muñoz Ryan for our first in-person Visiting Author Series of the academic year. In celebration of her visit, the entire intermediate school participated in a butterfly prompt contest. All entries are displayed on the El Jardin bulletin board.
Anna Tang (5th grade) won the contest. Her approach focused on her passion for ice-skating and how her butterfly personified that passion to “spread joy as the ‘Winter Butterfly’ and bring happiness to everyone in the spring and winter.” Anna won a signed copy of Solimar and introduced Muñoz Ryan at the event.
Pam Muñoz Ryan presented in the Convocation Center to the entire Intermediate School girls. She spoke about her relationships with books, her process as a writer, and her journey into publishing, including her latest book, Solimar. After the presentation, the author was able to provide a Q&A session with the girls.
Author Susan Verde virtually visited Carrollton on Thursday, September 9, 2021. Her best-selling, award-winning stories range from explorations of music, art and museum visits to the concepts of serendipitous friendships, environmental issues, empathy and humanity with an emphasis on yoga and mindfulness. She read from her newly released book, Courage: A Book of Resilience.
The Intermediate students, grades 4-6, had a wonderful virtual author visit straight from Australia with author and illustrator, Remy Lai on Wednesday, September 30 at 2:00pm EST. Ms. Lai got up very early (4:00 AM AEST) with her two dogs to speak about her newest book, Fly on the Wall. She also spoke about the writing process and gave a guided illustration of her artistic style. Remy Lai studied fine arts, with a major in painting and drawing. She was born in Indonesia, grew up in Singapore, and lives in Brisbane, Australia. Pie in the Sky was her debut middle-grade novel and won the Golden Kite Award for Middle Grade Fiction and SCBWI Sid Fleischman Humor Award.
Sandra Neil Wallace Reads Marjory Saves the Everglades
by Sandra Neil Wallace (Author), Rebecca Gibbon (Illustrator)
On Wednesday, October 28, 2020, our Montessori and Primary students had a virtual author visit from acclaimed children’s book author, Sandra Neil Wallace. In her picture book biography, Marjory Saves the Everglades (The Story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas), she brings the inspiring story of journalist and activist, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, to young readers. The library made a donation on behalf of the students from the book sales to the Friends of the Everglades which was also formed by Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
Award-winning author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds visited the Primary and Montessori schools with his new release, Be You! Mr. Reynolds reminded readers to "be your own work of art" and be your best efforts toward being patient, persistent, and true. His message was a joyful reminder of the ways that every child is unique and special. He is the beloved creator of The Dot, Happy Dreamer, and the New York Times bestseller, The Word Collector. Lily Vidal had the honor of introducing our guest offer.
JORDAN MATTER
Talks Photography and Dance with Junior High
Jordan Matter, portrait and dance photographer, authored New York Times bestseller, Dancers Among Us. He is known to millions for his 10 Minute Photo Challenge YouTube Videos. During his time with the students, he spoke from the heart about the journey he took to get where he is today. He spoke about his photography sessions and how he was able to capture incredible moments from dancers across the world and the stories that made it into the book some funny and others about the serious issue of social media being used as a bullying tool.
On Monday, March 19, 2018, a special presentation author visit with Chelsea Clinton took place at the Maria and Dolores and Maurice R. Ferre Convocation Center for Montessori, Primary, and Intermediate students.
Celia Perez: Intermediate students welcomed Celia Perez and her new book, Strange Birds - A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers. Juliana Xydas's zine was chosen as most creative and she had the honor of introducing Ms. Perez. Many of the students were familiar with her first book, The First Rule of Punk, a 2018 Pura Belpre Author Honor book award winner. Strange Birds is an inspiring story about the power of truth and of true friends.
Our Visiting Author Series debut for this year kicked off on September 7, 2016 to the delight of the Intermediate school. Jennifer Holm introduced her lively newest release, Full of Beans. It is the prequel to the Newbery Honor-winning Turtle in Paradise, which introduces a scrappy bunch of barefoot kids living in Key West during the Depression. The students were captivated when Ms. Holm, who has family ties to Key West, presented real pictures of Key West during the Depression. Mounds of garbage in the streets prompted the federal government to consider shutting down the town if not cleaned up. Luckily, a campaign was started to turn Key West into a tourist destination and the town was cleaned up, painted, and restored by the community.
Saramelia Lopez was selected as the winner of the essay contest and had the honor of introducing Ms. Holm. Also, students got a kick out of the author illustrating a picture of a "Carrollton girl" in the spirit of her popular Babymouse series.
BOB SHEA (Author), ZACHARIAH O'HORA (Illustrator)
The Montessori five-year-olds enjoyed a special session with author/illustrator Bob Shea. He has written and illustrated over a dozen picture books and is on tour with his latest book, The Happiest Book Ever! His characters and animations have appeared on Nick Jr., Playhouse Disney, and PBS Kids. During his presentation, he read stories and joined the students on the floor drawing characters such as unicorns, ballet cats, dinosaurs, and other characters as he encouraged their creativity.
Award-winning, bestselling illustrator and author Loren Long visited Carrollton on Monday, October 3rd. Mr. Long will be reading from and discussing his newest book “Otis and the Kittens.”
The Azan sisters with author and illustrator Loren Long
Multi-award-winning, New York Times Bestselling, young-adult author, Laurie Halse Anderson, visited our school on Friday, October 14, 2016. Mrs. Anderson shared her experiences writing historical fiction and talking about the creative writing process with our Junior High students.
Mrs. Bunster is the author and illustrator of the series: FAIRYTALES FROM HISTORIC FLORIDA. The first and second graders were delighted with the second book in her series, The Bird That Forgot How To Fly Goes To The Everglades, on Tuesday, October 18, 2016. From deciphering nautical codes to learning educational facts on South Florida's history and nature, the students captured the message of the importance of peace, joy, love, and light! Mrs. Bunster explained the art of collage, as collage artwork transformed the Founders Reading Room into a gallery, giving the students a close-up look. Known for her whimsical and inspiring way of introducing content and fostering creativity in the educational curriculum, she read from her book and had the students participate in shared activities.
Margaret Peterson Haddix & Kevin Sands
Bestselling, award-winning, young adult/middle grade author Margaret Peterson Haddix and debut author Kevin Sands visited Carrollton on Thursday, September 17th, 2015.
The 6th, 7th, and 8th graders were inspired when award-winning author, Magaret Peterson Haddix and debut author, Kevin Sands visited. Sabine Meurs, 8th grader, was chosen by Books & Books as the winner of the author essay to introduce the authors and represent her peers. Each author spoke about their inspiration for writing and how their ideas developed. Margaret Peterson Haddix has just released the 8th book in her Missing series, Redeemed. She is the author of more than 30 novels for
young readers and is well known for her Missing and Shadow Children series. Her work has been honored with the International Reading Association Children's Book Award, the American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults, and state readers' choice lists in sixteen states.
Mr. Sand’s first novel, The Blackthorn Key, which follows a series of murders set in the 1600s, follows an apothecary’s apprentice who must solve puzzles and decipher codes in pursuit of a secret that could destroy the world. Mr. Sands spoke about steganography and gave students opportunities to figure out different codes. He also shared examples of code breaking through history from Caesar to George Washington to World War 2.
Ryan Higgins Web Banner ,Disney Books, 2022.
Children’s illustrator and author Ryan Higgins visited Carrollton on Friday, December 4, 2015. Mr. Higgins shared his passion for illustrating and writing with our students. Books & Books, who is sponsoring this event, also sponsored an illustration contest where one lucky student had the opportunity to introduce Mr. Higgins to their peers.
Multi-award-winning, bestselling children’s author Chris Grabenstein visited Carrollton on Thursday, February, 4, 2016. He shared his experiences creating his Mr. Lemoncello series and talked about the creative writing process. He also read from his newest book Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics, the thrilling sequel to Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.
On March 18, 2016, Carrollton hosted Markus Zusak, author of the international bestseller The Book Thief. Mr. Zusak finished his United States tour, celebrating the book’s 10th anniversary, at Carrollton! Originally published in March 2006, The Book Thief received immediate critical acclaim and rose to the top of the New York Times bestseller list, where it has remained for the last 10 years. It has sold over 10 million copies worldwide while receiving numerous awards. The novel was released as a major motion picture in 2013, starring Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson.
Montessori and Primary students “squeezed the day” as they listened to bestselling children’s author/ illustrator Brian Lies on Thursday, May 5, 2016. He is known for his bestselling book series Bats in the Library, Bats at the Beach, Bats at the Ballgame, and Bats in the Band. Mr. Lies was on tour with the release of his newest book Gator Dad. The book celebrates the energetic and loving style of father parenting as described by Mr. Lies in his presentation. Gabi Tarpey, second grader, was chosen by Books & Books to introduce the author with her winning entry on how her father is a “Gator Dad.” The students were entertained by his stories of what it means to be an author as well as an illustrator.
Carrollton’s Visiting Author series was pleased to announce award-winning illustrator and author, Victoria Kann as our guest for the Montessori and Primary schools on Tuesday, March 3, 2015. She is known for her picture book series featuring the whimsical and effervescent character Pinkalicious and her play, Pinkalicious: The Musical. She continued to write several more New York Times bestsellers and now she is releasing her newest book, Aqualicious! A Pinkalicious contest was announced and the winner got to introduce Ms. Kann. Lastly, Carrollton Libraries threw a Pinkalicious cupcake and book signing event.
Award-winning, New York Times bestselling children’s author Jacqueline Davies visited our Carrollton on Tuesday, March 17, 2015. Mrs. Davies shared her experiences with the writing process. She also read from her newest book, The Magic Trap.
(Photo right) Abigal Felan and author Jacqueline Davies pose for a photo.
Veteran journalist, political commentator, author, and Sacred Heart alumna Cokie Roberts visited Carrollton on Thursday, March 19, 2015. Introduced by Sr. Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ, our Headmistress, Mrs. Roberts first spoke with middle-grade and high school students at our new Wellness Center about women leaders and their leadership throughout history, and beyond. Later that evening, an open community event was offered at our Founders Library. Her books often focused on the role of women in American history: Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation (2005), Ladies of Liberty (2009), and her latest Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies (2014).
Photo 1 (vertical): Cokie Roberts discusses her book with our students in the Wellness Center.
Photo 2 (left): Cokie Roberts signing books and talking with Dr. Susan Dempf, High School Director. Also pictured: Office of Advancement Isabel Singletary '69, Headmistress Sr. Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ, and alumna Laurie Weiss Nuell '75.
Photo 3 (center): Cokie Roberts speaks with the community on her latest release and her connection to the Sacred Heart faith.
Photo 4 (right): Cokie Roberts signing books and talking with Amy Repine, Director of Annual Fund. Also pictured: Isabel Singletary '69 from the Advancement Team, High School Director Dr. Susan Dempf, Headmistress Sr. Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ, and alumna Laurie Weiss Nuell '75.
New York Times Best Selling Award Winning Author Ridley Pearson visited Carrollton on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. Mr. Pearson shared his experiences as an established author. He discussed the writing process and read from his new books, The Return, from his new Disney Lands trilogy, and The Syndrome.
Left photo: Author Ridley Pearson with contest winner Carolina Pino, who had the opportunity to introduce the author.
Right photo: Author Ridley Pearson signing copies of his books and student Dani.
Children’s author Jennifer Lynn Alvarez visited Carrollton on Friday, April 24, 2015. Mrs. Alvarez shared her passion for writing with the 4th and 5th-grade students.
Bestselling illustrator and author Anna Dewdney (1965 - 2016) visited Carrollton on Tuesday, September 17, 2013. Ms. Dewdney read from her Llama Llama books and shared her passion for writing and illustrating with our students. Books & Books, which sponsored this event, also sponsored a contest where one lucky student, Carolina Ruiz (pictured right with author), had the opportunity to introduce Ms. Dewdney.
Newberry Honor best-selling, middle-grade author, Gennifer Choldenko visited Carrollton on Friday, September 20, 2013. Ms. Choldenko shared her experiences about the writing process and how ideas form to create a series. She also read from her newest book, Al Capone Does My Homework. Books & Books, which sponsored this event, also sponsored a contest where one lucky student, Gaby Garity, had the opportunity to introduce Gennifer Choldenko.
Award-winning, bestselling illustrator and author Peter Brown visited Carrollton on Friday, January 17, 2014. Mr. Brown LIVE illustrated and read to our students. He also answered questions about the creative writing process. Mr. Brown focused on his new book, Mr. Tiger Goes Wild!
Caldecott Medal Winner and Newberry Honor Illustrator / Author Kevin Henkes visited Carrollton on Friday, September 14, 2012. Mr. Henkes read from his newest book, Penny and Her Doll, and demonstrated his illustration skills for First grade (pictured bottom left) and Third grade (pictured bottom right).
Bestselling award winning children/young adult author, Adrian Fogelin visited Carrollton on Friday, October 19th, 2012. Mrs. Fogelin discussed the writing process and read from her newest book, Summer on the Moon.
Children’s Author, Jennifer Fosberry, visited Carrollton on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Ms. Fosberry shared her books and passion for writing with our Montessori Five, First, and Second-grade students. Books & Books, which sponsored this event, also sponsored a contest where one lucky student (pictured right) had the opportunity to introduce Jennifer Fosberry.
Award-winning, bestselling illustrator and author Loren Long visited Carrollton on Monday, October 3, 2011. Mr. Long will be reading from and discussing his newest book “Otis and the Kittens.”
The Azan sisters with author and illustrator Loren Long
The Junior High students took a field trip to the Miami Book Fair International and attended a talk with Christopher Paolini inside the Temple Isreal of Greater Miami in November 2011.
Newberry Medal–winning and bestselling author Christopher Paul Curtis visited Carrollton on Thursday, January 19, 2012. Mr. Curtis shared his novels and passion for writing with our Carrollton Intermediate students. Books & Books, who sponsored this event, also sponsored a contest where one lucky student had the opportunity to introduce Mr. Curtis.
New York Times Bestselling Children’s Author Doreen Cronin visited Carrollton on Friday, May 11, 2012.. Ms. Cronin shared her books and passion for writing with students. Books & Books, who sponsored this event, also sponsored a contest where one lucky student, Alexandra Azan, had the opportunity to introduce Doreen Cronin.
Dugarte, A. (2022, May 6). #CarrolltonReads Book Banner [Digital Graphic].
