On September 13, Wisconsin Hills welcomed the renowned best-selling trio of authors Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin, and illustrator Giovanni Rigano to its school. Colfer, Donkin, and Rigano's visit promoted their latest graphic novel collaboration, Illegal, that focuses on one boy's perilous journey through Africa in pursuit of asylum in Europe.

Colfer and Donkin, who have sold nearly 30 million books between them, spoke to all WHMS students about the writing and storyboarding processes involved in the creation of Illegal and the current events that inspired the story. They emphasized the importance of empathy for others and diversity in the human experience. Rigano, who is known for his work on Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean graphic novels, created an on-the-spot illustration for the school, and the trio answered questions from students.

This author visit was sponsored by Elmbrook community partner, Boswell Books, at no cost to the district. This school year, numerous award-winning authors are scheduled to visit the district as a continuation of our joint-initiative to engage students in reading and writing. Click here to learn more about upcoming author visits.

View more photos from the visit below. (Pictured above L to R: Andrew Donkin, Giovanni Rigano, & Eoin Colfer)