Award-winning graphic novelists Misty and David Wilson visited CFMS on Monday, March 10th to promote their book, Play Like A Girl, and inspire readers and writers to follow their dreams.
During their engaging middle school assembly, Misty and David Wilson dove into their life and process as writers and illustrators. They also explained the timeline to publishing a book in understanding connection for middle schoolers.
During the presentation, Misty helped connect students through activities like the debate about their favorite food, Pickle Pizza. When they talked about their new books and the creation process, the students were focused and excited. The students could not stop talking about the unique ideas the couple came up with, opening up a new door of possibilities to many students and igniting their imaginations.
Throughout the presentation, the authors shared their paths to becoming authors. Before becoming an author, Misty was an elementary teacher. She used to be a 4th-grade teacher, and she ended up falling in love with creative writing, using real-life experiences and fiction stories, her unique perspective creating magnificent stories.
Seventh-grade student Wrenn Warren said, “I was captivated by the creative process and I am so excited to read Play Like a Girl.”
In addition to that, two students: Rosemary Needham and Leo Fink, were the winners of the essay contest and presented speeches about the importance of storytelling. Their unique perspectives emphasized the importance of staying true to yourself and allowing stories to widen one’s perspective.
The book Play Like A Girl talks about Misty’s experience being the only girl on her town’s football team, as well as every girl’s middle school dream: she wants to be popular. She also is struggling with not having an understanding best friend by her side.
They also mentioned the inspiration for Misty’s new novel Falling Like Leaves, a mix between popular tv show Gilmore Girls and the Jenny Han novel; The Summer I Turned Pretty as the author’s unique inspiration coming out in September. Together, they are currently writing a young adult rom-com with a tentative name of Second Hand Love. David has a horror graphic novel called Soulmates coming out in Spring 2026. Finally, they are creating a realistic fiction graphic novel about key parts from Misty’s childhood called Griffin Girls.
They held a book signing in conjunction with the school book fair on Wednesday evening, March 12th, and everyone was captivated when they saw David perform live illustration demonstrations. Many adults as well as younger students were able to meet the authors at Literacy Night even though they could not go to the middle school assembly.
Eleventh-grade student Savannah Brent attended the writing workshop, and she noted that “literacy night let me connect with other authors and helped me find solutions to problems I was running into [in the writing process]. It was overall a wonderful experience.”
In addition, senior student Amelia Strawn attended the evening event for the illustration workshop: “Literacy Night was so much fun!! I’m attending Kent State University next year for college, and being able to meet Professor Wilson was an incredible experience. I will be taking his classes once the school year starts, and I’m thrilled to be working alongside him. Literacy Night allowed me to get a taste of what college may be like for me. I also shared my new children’s book with Professor Wilson and Mrs. Wilson, which was very helpful, since I received feedback for my story. I had an amazing time!!”
Their visits left a lasting impression, encouraging students to embrace their creativity and pursue their own dreams in writing and illustrating. CFMS is grateful to the PTO for funding this opportunity.
