Frazier Park School’s Young Authors’ Faire was a vibrant celebration of creativity and literacy, kicking off with a visit from Teresa Adamo, a Bakersfield author and journalist. Adamo was joined by her husband Felix, an award-winning photojournalist, as she read aloud from her children’s book Indy, Oh, Indy, a heartwarming tale about her family’s beloved shelter pet. The student body had prepared colorful pictures of Indy, which adorned the walls as Adamo shared her story, projected for all to see. The combination of Adamo’s engaging narrative, the book’s bright illustrations, and the students’ artwork created a warm and immersive atmosphere.
Beyond the story itself, Adamo conveyed a valuable message about adopting pets from shelters rather than buying from breeders. She also provided insight into the writing, illustrating, and publishing process, sharing interesting facts and “Easter eggs” about downtown Bakersfield. As she read, students listened intently, and afterwards, they asked thoughtful questions, including one about Indy’s passing. Adamo handled the sensitive topic with kindness, reassuring the students that Indy’s memory would live on through their books.
The emotional impact of the story was evident in the students’ reactions. One young girl was visibly distraught on the playground, missing Indy. Adamo comforted her and a friend, giving each a special bookmark featuring Indy and offering words of reassurance. The gesture brought smiles to their faces, and they returned to play, inspired by Adamo’s kindness.
As the day unfolded, classes celebrated in their own ways. For example, Ms. Baker’s and Mrs. Page’s third-grade classes came together for a publishing party. The students had written haikus and short stories on topics of their choice and enjoyed Easter egg-colored lollipops as they shared their work on the playground lawn.
The after-school portion of the Young Authors’ Faire was a lively celebration in the school cafeteria. Tables were filled with student-made books, and the Frazier Park library set up a writing station with free bookmarks, cookies, and information about their programs. The PTSO handed out reading stickers, bookmarks, water, and cookies, while families gathered to admire the students’ work. In nearby classrooms, community readers shared stories with eager listeners, rotating every 15 minutes to hear a new tale. The diverse group of readers included beloved educators Michelle Penner, a retired kindergarten teacher, Susan Bates, and Helenna Forrester, both retired educators. El Tejon Unified School District’s Superintendent Sara Haflich and Frazier Park’s principal, Michael McNelis, also participated, along with mystery writer Adrienne Patterson from Pine Mountain Club, Celia Rogers, a retired district “lunch lady,” and James “Whiteboy” Page, a blues musician and Mrs. Page’s husband.
The event concluded at 3:30 p.m., leaving behind a sense of accomplishment and connection. The Young Authors’ Faire at Frazier Park School had been a resounding success, celebrating the joy of creating, learning, and sharing through literacy.
