The visit, which turned traditional assemblies into high-energy masterclasses in storytelling, was made possible through a collaboration with Bob Lingle of Good Neighbor Bookstore.

Known for his vivid imagination and engaging presentation style, Kennedy didn’t just talk about writing, he performed it. By sharing the “life adventures” that inspired his work, like the time he had to fend off a wild snake during his brief career as a sixth grade teacher, he bridged the gap between the classroom and the professional creative world, leaving students eager to pick up their own pens.

“Author James Kennedy dazzled my students with his incredible storytelling and presentation style,” said Liz Gruber of Panama Central School. “Students instantly connected with his creative energy. Their eyes were just twinkling with excitement. He enthusiastically encouraged all of them to read, write and create with passion and authenticity. His presentation far exceeded any expectations. I would love to host him again. A ginormous thank you also goes out to Bob Lingle from the Good Neighbor Bookstore for his support of this amazing opportunity.”

In addition to The Order of Odd-Fish, Kennedy has written the books Dare to Know: A Novel and Bride of the Tornado. Bride of the Tornado was named one of the “Best Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Novels” in September 2023 by The Guardian. Dare to Know was named by the Times Saturday Review as its Best Sci-Fi Book of 2021.

Author James Kennedy is pictured after signing a student’s book.

“I have never seen our students as engaged as they were when James read excerpts from his book,” said Mary Zdrojewski of Southwestern Middle School. “They hung on every word and booed and cheered along with the characters. Through James Kennedy’s presentation, our students watched literature come to life. James showed them not only that books are windows into fantastic adventures, but that authors are rock stars. Thank you so much to Bob and Good Neighbor bookstore for making this experience possible.”

The events were coordinated in partnership with Good Neighbor Bookstore in Lakewood.

“Over the years I’ve enjoyed building relationships with not only our local school districts, but with authors from around the country,” Lingle said. “I was excited to connect those relationships by bringing James Kennedy to two school districts that we have worked closely with over the years.”

Beyond his novels, Kennedy is the founder and curator of the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival, an annual video contest where young filmmakers create short movies that tell the entire story of a Newbery-winning book in about 90 seconds.

During his visit, Kennedy encouraged local students to pick up their cameras and submit their own creative masterpieces. The next regional screening is scheduled for April 25, 2026, at the George Eastman Museum’s Dryden Theatre in Rochester. Local entries are due by March 20, 2026. More information, including rules and submission forms, can be found at 90secondnewbery.com.

Author James Kennedy is pictured reading to students during a recent visit to the area.

Kennedy’s books can be found at Good Neighbor Bookstore, 124 Chautauqua Ave. Lakewood and online at GoodNeighborBooks.com.