Local Author Visits Massapequa Students

MASSAPEQUA, NY — Long Island author Jen Calonita had some inspiring words for young readers and writers at Lockhart Elementary School during a visit on Feb. 10. Specializing in fractured fairy tales, she shared her expertise as a writer of several middle-grade and young adult books.

During a pair of assemblies, Calonita spoke about her love for writing, which developed in elementary school, as well as her career transition from magazine editor to author. She also discussed how reading and writing go hand-in-hand.

The morning kicked off with a bagel and books breakfast. Fourteen students from grades 3-5 were invited for a small group meeting with Calonita. Library media specialist Tara Gonzalez said that interested students were asked to write a short essay on what it would mean for them to have breakfast with an author.

Later in the day, Calonita hosted a writer’s workshop for fourth and fifth graders. Together they developed an original fractured fairy tale.

“This was a great experience for Lockhart students,” Gonzalez said. “We want to inspire their love of reading and help them see themselves as authors, and we thank Ms. Calonita for her guidance and encouragement.”