#1 New York Times bestselling author Raina Telgemeier’s books have been a beloved part of childhood for many. With over 18 million copies in print, her books have entertained young readers around the world. Over the past week, SIS students have been bringing their own copies to school—for Raina Telgemeier’s signature during her visit.
“I think I read ‘Smile’ over five times,” Jimin Son (11), Telgemeier’s fan, said. “Raina Telgemeier’s books were my childhood. I did not forget to bring my own copies of her work to school this week. Being able to meet her in real life was like meeting a childhood superhero.”
Telgemeier’s visit to SIS was packed with a busy schedule; she held workshops for students, giving valuable lessons to aspiring illustrators and writers. During these sessions, many of her fans had the opportunity to take photos and receive signatures.
Her visit to SIS was special as it was her first official overseas visit to a school.
“My friend, LeUyen Pham, was the visiting author last year,” Telgemeier said. “She told me how much fun she had, and gave my email address to the SIS librarians, who asked if I’d be interested in coming—and I said yes. I had never been to Korea before, so I was excited to travel somewhere new. I love it here.”
Many students also took the opportunity to showcase their own work to Telgemeier.
“Everyone here is so nice,” Telgemeier said. “I loved leading the workshops and seeing all the funny comics the students made. I was blown away by how many of them knew my work and felt a connection to my stories. Even though I grew up halfway around the world, I think we all have a lot of things in common.”
Telgemeier’s visit was a nostalgic experience for students. The interactions gave new insights about graphic novelists for students.
“Keep being curious,” Telgemeier said. “Read lots of books, get to know all your classmates, watch the news, and listen to podcasts. Whatever you are interested in, don’t be afraid to dive in and seek out knowledge. The SIS library is a great place to start.”
