Don P. Hooper

Today in the news. I stopped by the Horace E. Greene school (PS 45) today in Bushwick, Brooklyn for a book reading. When I arrived, there was a lot of energy pulsating from the school. No, not because I was coming. The school year was once again coming to a close, and for students that meant summer vacation. And, for teachers that also means a much needed summer vacation.

The teachers at PS 45 were holding outdoor activities for the students, including a dance-off and cooking competition. I arrived during the infamous Macarena.

The school’s librarian scheduled me to read in front of four second grade classes in the library. The provided me a seat, but I prefered to do the reading standing up. One thing I’ve learned, is that to deliver an effective book reading, it’s integral that the author keep it interactive. And, that’s exactly what I did.

I started off the book reading, by telling the children about the Coomacka Island series and a little about myself. Then, it was time for the students to share a little about their own lives. Were there any aspiring illustrators or authors in the crowd? What about folk-tales, can anyone explain to me what a folk-tale is about? Anyone familiar with Anansi tales or the Caribbean? And, of course who likes mangos? I had to ask the last question because today I would be reading my second storybook Coomacka Island: Anansi Jr. and the Mango Truck.

Each reading was different. Since the groups were small, ranging in 12-25 students, I was able to get a better feel for the crowd and change up my delivery on the spot. Every time I said mango, the students would respond with delightful “mmmmmmmmm,” expressing their love for this tropical treat. Not all of the students liked mangos though. One student was adamantly anti-mango. Hey, you can’t please everyone.

During the reading, the students got to discuss their reactions to Anansi Jr. They also speculated about how they thought the book would end. It was an absolute joy to see their brilliant minds at work.

After the reading, it was back to Q/A. We also went over some quick and easy ways to generate ideas for new characters in their own writing. And then it happened. (I guess this is one of the expections I should have when visiting a school). When the students and teachers find out I do Voice-Over, the next line that follows is always a call for a demonstration.

All in all it was a great day, and I believe all the students were entertained and had the opportunity to learn a little more about themselves, writing, the Caribbean, and of course Coomacka Island.

I can’t wait for the next reading!

I attended Career Day at the Achievement First school on Kent Ave, in Brooklyn today. There were about 15 presenters, that seperated into smaller groups to visit three classrooms each. Afterwards, each fifth grade class assembled before the presenters to ask questions in an open forum.

What startled me most was the level of questions asked by these young students. The students’ questions were reminiscent of the questions I asked in high school and college when searching for my first job. I was thrilled to see that these students were already receiving a head start on their academic and professional career, that was light-years ahead of my own experiences.

After I gave my first presentation (which transformed from me speaking about Writing and Acting to me giving a demonstration on creating character voices), I sat down off to the side of the classroom to listen to the other presenters. When I looked up, I saw vocabulary words strung across the front of the blackboard. What differentiated these words from any other words? The teacher had comprised several words (and their synonyms) that I remember seeing on my high school SAT (however long ago that was). Again, another display of pushing students to go beyond academic excellence from an early age.

Why am I bringing this up? It goes back to a story from the 2006 Harlem Book Fair. A teacher picked up a Coomacka Island book and was about to buy it when they suddenly stopped. The teacher said, “These words are too big for my students.” One of the words in question was “exhausted.” I learned that the students in question ranged from about 4-7. What upset me most was that, as a teacher, this individual did not realize the need to expose the students to new words. It seemed like something implied by the job title. What better way to learn new words than through books? What better way to remember those words than with active dialogue?

I’d like that thank the Achievement First school for having me in attendance for Career Day. I learned a lot from my visit, and am grateful for having the opportunity to see their amazing staff and students in action.

You heard correct. Book 3 from Coomacka Island, “Lenox Lizard and the Kukumacka Duppy” is now available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and the Coomacka Bookstore at coomacka.com.

Join Lenox Lizard and other friends from Coomacka Island as they prepare for the championship football game against the Stoney Hill Scorpions.

Lenox will be faced with a difficult choice and have to confront his fear.

One Love,
Don P. Hooper

Sunny Side Up performs this Monday 6/4 at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre on 26th and 8th ave.

Also, Tuesdays nights starting June 12, you can catch me in “The Subject” at the UCB Theatre at 11pm.

Oh and Sunny Side Up will be at the Del Close Marathon this July. 6:30 am on 7/28.

All shows are $5