Last month, two very rural schools in Southwest Utah (Delta High School and Bryce Valley Elementary) were transformed into a world of imagination and adventure as we welcomed renowned author and Utah’s Reading Ambassador Jennifer A. Nielsen. Students from kindergarten to twelfth grade were spellbound by her captivating storytelling and inspiring words.
Nielsen, the gifted author of beloved series like The False Prince and The Ascendance Trilogy, shared her passion for writing and her creative process with our eager audience. Her engaging presentations sparked curiosity and ignited a love of reading in students of all ages.
During her visit, Nielsen led interactive writing workshops, answered thought-provoking questions, and signed books for her many fans. Her warm and welcoming demeanor created a memorable experience for everyone involved.
We are incredibly grateful to Jennifer A. Nielsen for sharing her time and talent with our school community. Her visit will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on our students’ lives, inspiring them to become lifelong readers and writers. Special thanks to Utah State Library and USLA for making this possible!
Read what the students, teachers and librarians said!
“Jennifer A. Nielsen is a very inspirational person. I loved how she related her books to real life through her 5 tips to success.”- Ashley (7th Grader from DMS)
“Jennifer, You’re the best ever and I love your books. The people who turned you down are crazy! We love you!” -Piper (8th Grader from DMS)
“This presentation may have been for students, but I felt very inspired by Jennifer Nielsen’s message! We all fail. It’s human nature. Throughout the presentation, Jennifer’s emphasis on not giving up when we fail or when things get tough, really touched me! Thank you for coming to Delta, Jennifer! We loved having you!”- Mrs.Bassett (Librarian at DMS)
“Jennifer Nielsen’s presentation helped me and applied to my life also, not just to students. I gained a lot from everything she shared!” -Mr. Brendan Spencer (Program Productions Teacher, DHS)
“I am truly in awe of all that Jennifer Nielsen has accomplished! She inspired both students and staff during her visit, taking time to connect individually with students and truly engage with them. She made the most of her day with us, ensuring she reached as many students as possible through a well-rounded schedule. From the assembly to the lunch activity and class visit, Jennifer kept everyone captivated with her interactive approach. Jennifer Nielsen is a true literary hero!” – Mrs. LynnDell Watson (DHS Librarian)
“I found Jennifer Nielsen’s assembly fascinating because I find historical fiction and history fascinating.” – Mr. Robert Banks (ELA teacher)
“Bryce Valley Elementary Students were fascinated by Jennifer Nielsen. They loved her presentation and her books. There was one detail she learned about the Titanic that she didn’t have time to share, and they are dying to know what it was! The students were thrilled to learn that one of Jennifer Nielsen’s books is a Beehive Book nominee. Jennifer was a gracious guest, and even though she had already signed all the books she brought as gifts for the students, she willingly signed them all again because they wanted her signature on the cover. What a kind gesture!” – Melinda Overson (BVES Librarian)
