It was refreshing to speak to the students at Indian Hills, a middle school located in West Des Moines School district. Before I was to speak in the auditorium two band students set the stage lighting and the speaker system to my specific needs. The students were very thoughtful and considerate.

My host was Lindsey Aikin. She was so excited about the Principal Park book that she went out of her way by physically bringing several students to one of my Waukee speaking engagements to convince me to speak to her students. I spoke to the seventh grade group on the day they were to attend an Iowa Cubs game, so naturally they were pumped for baseball. Their enthusiasm and zest gave me the energy to stage an exciting presentation. We had some fine screamers and the volunteers I had called on just loved to perform on stage.

After my presentation the students asked me questions like: "What is my favorite pet?" "Is it hard to get a book published?" And "Is the story about Creeper and the glass eye real?"

Ms. Aikin took several pictures of me with the students and I was then asked to autograph books. Many of the students were interested in music, soccer, basketball, and hanging out with friends. I reassured the students that although this book was about baseball they'd enjoy it because this was a book about many of the same adventures they might have had like Fuji and my goal was to get them to start thinking about their own personal dreams - and their dream didn't have to be about baseball for them to enjoy reading the book.

Ms. Aikin is very passionate about teaching and her enthusiasm for the book and reading is why well over half of the students she mentors had purchased the Principal Park book. Ms Aikin enjoyed my visit and asked if I wouldn't mind making this an annual event.

I have to admit that I'd found a home at Indian Hills.