As part of our Book Week celebrations for 2024, Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow made a flying visit. Over the course of 3 days she spent time reading and dancing with EY-Y2, showing them some of her kimars and how to wear them. She conducted writing workshops with the older Elementary students, focusing on building a character and doing writing sprints to get ideas down. She also managed to spend time with Y9 students introducing 2 of her poems, Eid pictures and Hold Them Close, and inspiring them to begin their own Hold Them Close poems.
Jamilah's focus was one of diversity and truth, honoring the past while staying true to her own feelings, thoughts and beliefs.
We all felt extremely honored to be able to spend this time with Jamilah and look forward to reading her next novel!
For more information on Jamilah and her books, please visit her website here.