Best-selling and Newbery Award-winning author Katherine Applegate visited Brookfield East on Wednesday, May 15 to speak to 400 students, families, and staff from Elmbrook and surrounding communities. Her visit was in promotion of her new young adult novel The One and Only Family which concludes her One and Only Ivan series. She has sold over 35 million copies throughout her career. Applegate’s presentation talked about how she generates ideas for stories, writing about what you’re passionate or frustrated about, and the real-life story of Ivan the gorilla from her books. Following her presentation, she answered audience questions and signed copies of her books for several hours.

“We were so grateful to have Ms. Applegate speak to our community,” stated Kay Koepsel-Benning, Director of Library Services. “Her engaging presentation and thoughtful interactions with our students and community members served as a great advocate for literacy in Elmbrook and beyond.”

Elmbrook was one of only three Wisconsin stops for Katherine on her promotion tour and the visit was made possible by Elmbrook’s community partner, Boswell Books. Since 2015, numerous award-winning authors have visited the District in a continued joint initiative to engage students in reading and writing.