On September 9, Newbery Award-winning author Katherine Applegate spoke with over 1,200 students, staff, and community members from Elmbrook and Humboldt Park School, a Milwaukee Public School, on her newest book, Willodeen. Her latest book is a fictional story of a girl who risks everything to help a handmade creature who comes to life. Applegate’s interactive presentation included an engaging discussion about her books, writing and rewriting, using your imagination to create your own species, and environmental consciousness.

Applegate’s virtual visit with Elmbrook and Humboldt Park was the only stop in the state, and one of only nine in the country for her book tour. She is the author of more than 100 beloved children’s books including Crenshaw, the Animorphs series, and The One and Only Ivan for which she was awarded the Newbery Medal. Author visits are made possible through Elmbrook’s community partnership with Boswell Books. You can learn more about previous and upcoming author visits here.