Two sixth grade classes from Mann Middle School recently had a special opportunity to meet Thien Pham, the acclaimed graphic novelist behind Family Style, as part of One Book, One San Diego. Hosted at Marston Middle School, the “Meet the Author” visit brought Mann students face-to-face with the writer whose work they have been reading and discussing in class.
During the event, students heard directly from Pham about his creative process, the real-life experiences that inspired Family Style, and what it means to tell stories about identity, food, and belonging through the graphic novel format. Students were able to ask questions, connect the book to their own lives, and see first-hand that authors are real people who revise, experiment, and persevere.
The visit was made possible by a generous contribution from Mann’s AVID department. Eighth grade AVID officers voted to use their funds to pay for the school bus, ensuring that the sixth graders could attend. Many of these AVID students had participated in previous One Book, One San Diego events and wanted younger students to share the same inspiring experience.
One Book, One San Diegov is the region’s premier literary program, led by KPBS in partnership with more than 80 public libraries, service organizations, and educational institutions. Each year, the program selects books for adults, teens, kids, and Spanish-language readers and hosts events that bring the community together around a shared reading experience.