DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Children participating in the TKR Community Reading Adventure had a unique opportunity on Sunday, July 31, to meet author Sharon Draper, whose book "Ziggy and the Black Dinosaur" they read during their visits to the Bethune-Cookman College (B-CC) campus.
The excitement wasn't limited to the group of 6-12 year olds, however.

Senior Peter McIntosh, a vocal performance major from Miami and a tutor for the children, came to the realization that Draper was the same writer who had also penned "Tears of a Tiger," which he had read for an honors English program. The book had a profound effect on McIntosh, and still does. He and Draper shared a hug at the event.

"When the book came out, it was actually like a voice, that someone else understood," McIntosh said. "It literally hit a nerve. This is incredible to meet a person who's had an effect on my life."

Such is the power of reading, and writing.

"When you're a writer, you can do anything you want,'' Draper told the audience. "I have magic at my fingertips."

Draper, an award-winning teacher who has published several children's books and young-adult fiction, shared a story about how she found inspiration from another author, the legendary Alex Haley, who sent her a congratulatory note after she won an Ebony magazine writing contest.

"I had to write a book after that,'' Draper said. "Doors open when they are supposed to."

That includes "Ziggy and The Black Dinosaurs," a story of four young boys from different backgrounds who find a mysterious trunk full of bones. In addition to reading about B-CC founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, "Ziggy" was a focal point for the inaugural year of the summer reading conducted by college administrators, students and AmeriCorps volunteers.

Draper shared the secrets of writing a good book with the students.
"Something exciting has to happen with the characters," she said. "Who wants to read a boring story?"

Draper made an impact with many of the students.

"When I grow up, I want to be a writer,'' said 8-year old Torri Smith.

The TKR Community Reading Adventure is part of the College's commitment to Civic Participation and Social Responsibility.