In early November 2023, Words Alive was thrilled to be part of a series of events bringing the creators of Nigel and the Moon to connect with children in San Diego. Thanks to a generous donation by Roberta and Mark Emerson, Words Alive brought the book’s award-winning illustrator, Brooklyn-based artist Gracey Zhang, to San Diego for three different events over two days, where she visited 315 children and gifted each child a copy of Nigel and the Moon in English or Spanish.
Gracey Zhang and Antwan Eady
Nigel and the Moon, written by Antwan Eady and illustrated by Gracey Zhang, is a glowing tale about the young dreaming big and how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence. This remarkable debut was chosen by KPBS as the children’s book selection for 2023’s One Book, One San Diego, a partnership between KPBS and over 80 public libraries, service organizations and educational institutions. Now in its 17th year, One Book, One San Diego’s mission is to bring our community closer together through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book.
When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as…an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too!
Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow. Nigel is the most brilliant body in the sky.
But it’s Career Week at school, and Nigel can’t find the courage to share his dreams. It’s easy to whisper them to the moon, but not to his classmates—especially when he already feels out of place.
Meeting authors behind the characters we love deepens the context of what we read and encourages learners to imagine themselves as thinkers, readers, and future creators of stories that shape our world. Those moments – especially when the authors reflect readers’ identities and lived experiences – spark curiosity and can change the way young people view who and what belongs on the page.
Words Alive’s most effective author experiences bring writers, learners, and our community together, virtually and in-person, to explore and respond to themes of the text. Excitingly, the Emerson’s investment allowed us to fulfill these aims over three unique events:
Burbank Elementary School
Words Alive has long delivered Read Aloud programming at Burbank Elementary, where less than 20% of students are meeting grade-level English and language arts standards. The Emerson’s investment empowered Gracey to visit 139 kindergarten – third grade students across five classrooms. Since several of the classes were bilingual or fully in Spanish, every child took home a new copy of the book in English or Spanish, most autographed by the author. Once word about Gracey’s visit spread, enthusiastic demand for led us to tap existing partnerships with the Cindy Polger Book Fund and PNC Foundation so we could obtain books in English and Spanish as well as resources for additional classroom visits.
Gracey Zhang with Jane H., Words Alive volunteer, at Burbank Elementary School
A longtime Words Alive volunteer “reading role model” joined Gracey to lead the read aloud of Nigel and the Moon, after which Gracey spoke with the students about her experiences as an artist and illustrator. Excitingly, Gracey engaged the children in an interactive drawing session where she illustrated their creative ideas on the spot, swiftly adding to the art as students shouted out suggestions!
In addition to an autographed copy of the book, each student received a playful tie-in learning kit in English and Spanish specifically designed to deepen connection to the text. Learning kits contain detailed step-by-step instructions for a craft activity that builds on themes in the book, along with all materials needed to complete that activity. Learning kits also include a parent guide to layer in literacy best practices for family engagement as well as a starter kit of basic school supplies such as glue, scissors, and crayons.
Antwan Eady and Gracey Zhang with third grade students at Rosa Parks Elementary School
Rosa Parks Elementary School
A collaboration between KPBS, the San Diego Unified School District, and Words Alive brought Gracey and Antwan to Rosa Parks Elementary for a book reading by the author and open Q&A session specifically designed for the 150 third grade students present. All children received the Nigel and the Moon paired with bilingual learning kits with extra craft supplies like a watercolor set, in addition to receiving a starter kit of basic school supplies such as markers, scissors, and glue. To increase access, the event was livestreamed to other schools for broad participation across the community.
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Words Alive and KPBS brought Antwan and Gracey to the San Diego Air & Space Museum to host a book signing, open Q&A session, and book reading by the author that was open to the public at no cost. Approximately 75 community members of all ages attended this interactive storytelling event.
Gracey Zhang and Antwan Eady at the San Diego Air and Space Museum
Words Alive thanks our supporters, sponsors, and community partners for creating a unique opportunity for children in historically underserved communities to connect with Antwan Eady and Gracey Zhang. We are truly grateful for our partners’ commitment to connecting children to the power of reading through enabling joyful, engaging experiences between historically underserved students in San Diego and the creators of stories relevant to their lives.