Author In Residence Comes To Washington School In Millburn

MILLBURN, NJ — Popular middle school author Elly Swartz kicked off her schoolwide “author in residency” at the Washington School on Dec. 14 with two virtual assemblies for both the am and pm hybrid/remote fifth Grade students.

A speaker and author of three popular novels (with a fourth soon-to-be-released), Swartz held the 394 students’ rapt attention as she shared her journey to become of published writer. Students were surprised to discover that her first novel, Finding Perfect, about middle schooler Molly who struggles with OCD and her mom’s year-long absence, took 15 years to publish and find its way into readers’ hands.

In addition to offering words of wisdom and encouragement to all budding writers and students with a dream of any kind, Swartz also staged a book giveaway to the AM and PM student who could guess a line from one of her books.

Student Fiona Hu (pictured here) introduced the author to the PM assembly, retelling the anecdote about Swartz unwrapping a Bazooka bubble gum fortune early in her career that read “You have the ability to become outstanding in literature.” Hu said, “And those of us who have read her books know that she truly is an outstanding writer!” Hu also thanked the Washington School PTO for funding the assembly and the semester-long author residency.

Swartz will visit virtually with each Washington School classroom, offering interactive writing instruction.

This press release was produced by Millburn Township Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.