Robert Beatty Reads with A.C. Reynolds Middle

Nationally-known author Mr. Robert Beatty spent a morning with the Rockets of A.C. Reynolds Middle School.

Robert Beatty visited A.C. Reynolds Middle School ahead of this summer's BCS bookfair, during which Robert’s new book will be released. Mention Buncombe County Schools at checkout during the July 7-13 bookfair at the Asheville Mall's Barnes & Noble, and any purchases made will benefit school media centers.

Article By: Benjamin Rickert, Communications Dept. (Photography: Tim Reaves and Benjamin Rickert)

Nationally-known author Mr. Robert Beatty spent a morning with the Rockets of A.C. Reynolds Middle School this week, where he encouraged students to persevere in their reading and writing endeavors, and shared selections from his newest book, Serafina and the Seven Stars. The seventh grade students were thrilled to host Mr. Beatty, whose captivating Serafina and Willa of the Wood novels have made him a favorite Asheville author and repeatedly earned him the top spot on the New York Times’ best-seller list. 

Mr. Beatty said his visit to Reynolds reminded him of why he writes.

“I just love connecting with the kids,” he said. “I love this idea of pulling them into a story, grabbing their interest, keeping that interest, and their eyes opening to the story as it unfolds.”  

“The author came in with a warm smile and introduced himself as Robert,” recalled student Emma. “It was really inspiring to see a celebrity as a normal person.” 

Robert Beatty signs an autograph for a Reynolds Middle student.

“I really enjoyed hearing about his writing process and how it relates to us and what we’ve worked on in class,” added Evan. 

Beatty also hoped his visit helped build confidence in aspiring young writers. Students laughed with him when he explained that his early writing was simply “awful” and earned him multiple rejections. He encouraged students to stick with it, no matter how they feel about their writing. 

“The main thing I tell young writers is that you don’t have to be a good writer now. The only thing you really need is the desire to tell stories,” Beatty said. “Storytelling is a skill like any other skill. It’s a skill that you can learn- you’re not magically born with it.” 

“Having Robert Beatty come speak to our students was an amazing experience for us,” said Reynolds Media Specialist Alicia Luke. “It was great for them to hear about his creative process, and he made it accessible for all students.” 

She said students realized that “an author is just a person, and with hard work and dedication, they could be published authors, as well.”

Mr. Beatty will host a book-signing of his fourth book in the Serafina series on Sunday, July 7, at the Asheville Mall’s Barnes & Noble bookstore at 11 a.m.

This event kicks off a week-long Buncombe County Schools bookfair, running from July 7-13, during which Barnes & Noble will donate a portion of any sale when a customer mentions BCS at checkout. More information about this year's Serafina Week bookfair will be available soon.

Buncombe County Schools is grateful to Mr. Beatty for his visit and ongoing encouragement to local students.

___
View the full photo gallery from Beatty's special visit to A.C. Reynolds Middle School on Facebook!

Learn more about author Robert Beatty at robertbeattybooks.com.

DISTRICT

Elementary

Intermediate

Middle

High

Other

Buncombe County Schools