New Paltz Middle School Library Media Specialist Emily Perez recently arranged a unique and inspiring Author's Day! Grade 6 students had the opportunity to meet Gale Galligan, a New York Times bestselling cartoonist and graphic novelist, and embark on a creative journey together. 

 

Galligan is best known for their four graphic novel adaptations of “The Baby-Sitters Club.” Their first original graphic novel, “Freestyle,” was published in October 2022 and quickly attained “Best of the Year” status from the Washington Post, Publisher’s Weekly, Junior Library Guild, and many more.

 

Jaws dropped as Galligan created a comic live that included sketches of audience members. The illustration was crafted in a "choose your own adventure" style created through suggestions from the group. Galligan also shared their personal and professional journey and provided a platform for students to explore their own challenges, triumphs, and emotional growth. There’s no doubt in our minds that Galligan was a huge hit as over 100 students took time out of their recess to meet them in the library for an autographed commemorative laptop sticker made especially for this event by Ms. Perez!