On a day that will be remembered by many of our students for years to come, LVA had the absolute honor of welcoming Andrea Davis Pinkney—a New York Times bestselling author, Coretta Scott King Award winner, and true icon in the world of children’s literature.
Pinkney is renowned for her compelling stories that celebrate African-American culture and history, with a powerful body of work that includes picture books, novels, and nonfiction. Beyond writing, she has made a lasting mark as a publisher and editor, founding the groundbreaking Jump at the Sun imprint at Hyperion Books for Children. Her contributions to literature have earned her multiple NAACP Image Award nominations and an induction into the New York State Writers Hall of Fame.
During her visit, our elementary students were treated to an engaging and heartfelt presentation where Pinkney shared her writing journey, the inspirations behind her stories, and the importance of using literature as a tool for empowerment and education. Students were captivated by her energy, inspired by her wisdom, and left the assembly with bright smiles and big dreams.
But the excitement didn’t stop there!
Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students were given a very special experience—a private luncheon with Mrs. Davis Pinkney herself! During this intimate gathering, students chatted with the author about their favorite books, asked thoughtful questions about her career, and gained insights from a true literary legend. As a memorable finale to the event, each student received a signed copy of one of her books to treasure for years to come.
We are incredibly grateful to Andrea Davis Pinkney for taking the time to visit our school and share her brilliance with our young readers. Her stories, passion, and presence made a lasting impact on our students and staff, reminding us all of the power of literature to inspire, uplift, and connect.
Lehigh Valley Academy RCS 