From readers to writers: Young authors find inspiration at Cambridge Heights’ Author Day

Cambridge Heights Elementary School brought stories to life on March 4 during Author Day 2025, welcoming best-selling authors Lisa McMann, author of the Unwanted series and The Forgotten Five, and Matt McMann, author of the Monsterious series. 

Their visit was part of a larger tour through San Juan Unified School District, with stops at Orangevale Open, Del Dayo Elementary School, Twin Lakes Elementary School and Sierra Oaks K-8, bringing their passion for storytelling to even more young readers.

For Lynn Baker, Cambridge Heights' librarian and event organizer, author visits are more than just a special occasion.

“Author visits have a huge impact on the kids, and their love for reading makes the books come alive, especially to meet the author and have them explain the writing process,” Baker said. 

Meeting an author in person, she explained, makes books feel more real and helps students understand the writing process in a way that deepens their appreciation for reading and writing. 

“I hope that when kids leave today, they think, ‘I could do that. I could be a writer.’ To know that it’s possible to have courage, stand up and let your thoughts be known and to be able to create a story,” Baker said. “Authors empower kids to be able to write books, and they inspire them to read and to go forward.”

Second through fifth grade students enjoyed an inspiring assembly led by the authors, where they learned about the creative process behind their favorite books.

A select group of aspiring young writers, mostly fourth and fifth graders, participated in an exclusive Writer’s Workshop with the McManns, where they explored character development, story structure and even started their own stories to take home.

For two sixth graders, Chelsea and Madelyn, the event was particularly special. After last year’s visit was canceled, they were able to return to Cambridge Heights for this opportunity. Chelsea, an aspiring fantasy graphic novelist, was especially excited to meet Lisa McMann.

“I didn't get to come here last year, so I'm really excited to be able to meet the author and have activities with her,” Chelsea said. 

Madelyn, who has already begun writing her own novels, shared her enthusiasm for meeting the authors behind some of her favorite books.

“I'm just really excited to get to talk to the authors because their series are some of my favorite series,” she said. “I love how the books are connected, and how they’re all kids and younger like us, so kids can relate to the stories.”

For Lisa McMann, meeting young readers and aspiring writers is just as inspiring for her as it is for them.

“I just love meeting the kids. It really inspires me and makes me want to write more,” she said. 

Matt McMann added that his favorite part of school visits is seeing a student’s attitude toward reading shift.

“The best part is when a kid who wasn’t interested in reading suddenly has a lightbulb moment. I love when parents later tell me, ‘I don’t know what you said to my student, but thank you,’” he said.

Through events like Author Day, San Juan Unified School District continues to foster a love for reading and writing, showing students that their stories and voices matter.