Children’s book author Jarrett Krosoczka said that it was a chance encounter with a lunch lady at his school that inspired his Lunch Lady series. The author recently visited Northwood and Quest Elementary Schools in Hilton. “She told me about her life outside of school, grandkids and such, and as a kid, I was totally surprised. I didn’t think lunch ladies lived outside of school!” he said.
Krosoczka, who lives in Northhampton, Massachusetts, published his first book in 2001 after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design. Since then, he has published 23 books, including picture books, graphic novels and chapter books.
“I’ve been writing since I was a kid, so what I’m doing now is just an extension of that,” he said.
Library Media Specialist Stephanie Harney decorated the cafeteria in honor of School Nutrition Association Lunch Hero Day and gave cafeteria staff aprons with the Lunch Lady logo as a gift. Students also wrote cards and letters to them inspired by the Lunch Lady series. Teacher Karen Velyk even baked a special Lunch Lady cake to commemorate the author’s visit and recognize the cafeteria staff.
Krosoczka presented to the students and then autographed copies of his books in the library at both schools.
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