Author visits Barrington Middle School campus

After reading two books about what life on the run was like for a teenager in the witness protection program, students at Barrington Middle School Station Campus got the chance to meet the man who created the adventures.

Author Roland Smith visited the middle school recently to share tales of adventures he created with his pen, as well as those he has experienced firsthand.

"He writes some incredible adventure stories," said Kathy Hempel, the librarian at Station.

The students, Hempel said, became interested in Smith after reading one of his books, "Jack's Run," last year.

To follow that up, Hempel said the students were all encouraged to read the book's sequel, "Zach's Lie," over the summer.

"The kids just love (his books)," Hempel said. "I can't even keep his books on the shelves."

As a treat for reading the books, Hempel said the school invited Smith to talk to the kids about what it takes to be an author.

"He told them you need to write about something you believe in," Hempel said.

Besides talking to the students about his writing, Hempel said Smith also told the students about some of his personal adventures in Kenya and Myanmar.

Hempel said Smith also talked about the cleanup work after the Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster off the coast of Prince William Sound in Alaska.

"He is one of the best public speakers I have ever heard," Hempel said.

A native of Portland, Ore., Smith is the author of more than 20 books for children and young adults.

For more information on Smith, visit www.rolandsmith.com.