Fourth grade students at Garcia Elementary School (GES), in the Canutillo Independent School District, were recently treated to a special visit by well-known author, Benjamin Alire Saenz, who has written more than 15 books including poetry, novels, and children’s books.
Saenz was invited to GES not only to read to the students, but also to listen as the fourth grade composition winners read their own stories in front of peers. As aspiring writers, these seven students were able to share their work with a published author and gain valuable knowledge from his experience.
After listening to their fellow students’ compositions, GES students focused on Mr. Saenz as he began to read his book, “The Dog Who Loved Tortillas”. The students experienced many emotions, from laughter to almost tears, as they listened to Saenz read. When Saenz had finished reading his book, a student asked him, “Why did you want to be a writer?”

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