Gerry O'Brien attended our school and offered his magic in a Writer's Workshop. Through his down-to-Earth style, his personal anecdotes, and his one-of-a-kind wit, Mr. O'Brien created excitement among students about the writing process. Students were so excited to meet the author and creator of Bubba Begonia, and they were not disappointed. By using his vast experience as an educator, he masterfully managed a difficult audience and transformed their reluctance as writers into passion -- several students showed up with new writer's notebooks the next day, which they proudly called their "Seed Books". In one brief morning, Mr. O'Brien generated enthusiasm for writing that I had not been able to do all year!"

 

--Michael Frey

  Parkway Public School

  Cambridge, Ontario