‘Fakie’ author Tony Varrato visits Sussex Academy students

Sussex Academy middle school students welcomed local author Tony Varrato Dec. 15 for a discussion on the process of writing.

Every year, the school’s sixth-graders read Varrato's book “Fakie,” a coming-of-age novel about a teenager who has to hide his identity while on the run from criminals. This year, Varrato visited with students to talk about his pathway to becoming an author and the importance of prewriting, writing and rewriting. 

Sixth-grader Brody Pegelow has known Varrato introduced the author to the school, joined by his mother Stephanie, who has taught with Varrato for several years. Varrato has been a friend of the family for all of Brody’s life.

Brody said Varrato’s book teaches a very important life skill.  “No matter how old or small you are, you should not be afraid if you have a bigger heart," Brody said.

Varrato also signed autographs for students, including on their shoes, which has become a recent tradition among Sussex Academy sixth-graders at author visits.

Sixth-grader Graham Knowlton said “Fakie” is one of the best books he’s ever read.

“The suspense creeps up on you, and I like the crime,” Knowlton said. “I got my shoe autographed as something to remember. I absolutely love reading books, and this is probably my favorite book I've ever read in my whole life."

Sixth-grader Fabiha Kayani said “Fakie” is all about growing up, maturing and finding your people.

“In sixth grade there is a lot of change – you lose a friend, you might switch schools, and you're growing up, just like, in ‘Fakie,’ Alex is growing up and maturing,” Fabiha said.

Sixth-grader Brynlee Pepper said the book has a really strong impact on readers and can hit very close to home for some people. 

“The night that I finished the book, I realized that it changed the way that I look at life," Brynlee said.