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Author Gail Mack visits Shields fourth-graders

February 27, 2017

Former Cape teacher Gail Mack's book “Take Me!” contains an important theme for all elementary-aged students. Shields fourth-grade teacher Marybeth Peet invited Mack into her class to explain the process of writing a book. Mack explained the book's process to the class, including how she recruited a Cape alumna to create beautiful illustrations. She then read her book to the students.

The fourth-graders enjoyed hearing the book and through the generosity of Amy and Chuck Hudson, the students were able to keep a copy of the book and the coloring companion of the story. Mack also allowed the students to select their own shells to keep from a collection of her shells to illustrate the theme that each person, like each seashell, is unique.

After hearing the story, Julie Daniello said, "The theme of ‘Take Me!’ is to not judge a book by its cover, because in the story nobody wanted the shell with the hole in it until a girl in a wheelchair came along and found it and thought it was perfect just the way it was."

Peet said, "The students and I loved having Mrs. Mack come into our classroom and share the writing process of creating ‘Take Me!’ and the inspiration behind the book. The students were able to determine the theme and message of the story, which ties in perfectly with the daily mission of modeling and teaching students to be compassionate and accepting of each other's differences."

Mack's book is available at local retailers. All proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House.

 

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