My Full Circle Moment: Reading My Book at Kelly Elementary

I say to you, wide-eyed and curious crew, if you work hard and focus – your dream will come true!
If you have a question, my ears I will lend, in me you have a friend.
Love,
Tiberah T. Berhanu

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I handwrote the message (above) on the title page of My Uncle is an Alien and gave the book to each class that I read it to at Kelly Elementary in West Orange, NJ.

It was a full circle moment for me that I don’t take for granted.

As I approached the steps leading to the school, the feeling of excitement began to build. I anticipated how the next hour would go. I was scheduled to read the book to 3-4 classes. I made it into the office, slapped the visitor sticker on me and walked alongside the principal, up the stairs and to the second floor.

As I walked inside the first classroom, I couldn’t help but think of my elementary school days as a newcomer to America. I came to the United States at the age of six and because I didn’t know any English, I was pulled from the first grade and put into kindergarten. Back then, there was a sense of helplessness and unfamiliarity. And now, I return to classrooms as an Author to read my book to children, bright-eyed and full of hope – like I once was.

Prior to this week many thoughts circled in my mind. Thoughts like:

• Will I be engaging to the children?

• Will the children listen attentively?

• Will there be any interruptions?

But as I opened the book and started to read, I became myself. Comfortable in my own skin – free of limitations and concerns.

When I got to the page that featured Kelly Elementary, the room was full of gasps. The children couldn’t believe their school was in the book. Their surprised faces melted my heart.

Then, I answered their questions, and made them laugh along the way. They had some great questions for me. Questions like:

• How long did it take to publish the book?

• Will you write another book?

• Was the book based on real life?

They asked if I would visit again – and one child even asked to be included in my next book.

They were in awe of me, just as I was of them.

And in case they needed to hear it again (I am sure their teachers tell them already) I told them to read every day, listen to their parents and teachers, and to write.

Reading and writing opened so many doors for me, and helped me to connect with others, even at an early age.

When I wrote the book, I wanted to make sure that the children saw themselves in the story. During the Q&A session, I received the confirmation that they did.

When I had the book open, one child stopped me to ask if the illustration of a child in the book was supposed to represent him, because it looked like him, then another child said the same, then another, and another.

My deepest gratitude to Dr. Scott Cascone, Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Joel Castillo, Principal, and Mrs. Megan Malia, Administrative Assistant (Kelly Elementary), for making this happen.

 Images from a book full of thank you letters from Kelly Elementary students