District 75 students read along with author

Mundelein Elementary District 75 students talked about books and reading Tuesday with an award-winning author of books for young readers.

Kate Messner, a former television news reporter and English teacher, made her presentation Tuesday at Washington Early Learning Center. During the event, students participated in a read-along of a book Messner wrote.

She also will be speaking to students at Carl Sandburg Middle School and Mechanics Grove Elementary School. Presentations to teachers and staff also are planned this week.

"This author's highly anticipated visit is in keeping with the districtwide objective to promote literacy and enhance daily student reading, writing, listening and speaking experiences," District 75 officials said in a news release.

Messner wrote "Marty McGuire," "Ranger in Time" and "The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World's Coral Reefs."

At the end of the presentation, Washington Principal Jim Kallieris got a pie thrown in his face by first-grade student Anthony Mistretta. Anthony received the honor because he was a top pie seller in the district's recent fundraiser.