October 16, 2025 – Union City Area Middle/High School had the privilege of hosting acclaimed author Steve Sheinkin for an unforgettable day of storytelling, inspiration, and literary exploration. Thanks to a wonderful collaboration between UCASD and General McLane School District, our 7th and 8th grade students experienced the magic of meeting a real-world author whose books they've been reading in class.
The day began with seventh graders gathering in the auditorium for a presentation centered on The Bletchley Riddle, the very book they've been exploring together in their ELA classes with Mrs. Dobrzynski and Mrs. Moczulski. Mr. Sheinkin brought the story to life, sharing insights into his writing process and the fascinating historical details that make his work so captivating. He was so impressed with our students–who even showcased their codebreaking skills during and beyond the presentation!
Our eighth graders followed with their own presentation focused on Lincoln's Grave Robbers, connecting perfectly with their social studies curriculum and their previous study of President Lincoln. The students have been reading this page-turner in Mrs. Knauff’s classes the past few weeks, finishing it just before Mr. Sheinkin’s visit and enjoying every minute of it! The energy in the auditorium was electric as students engaged with the author and discovered the stories behind the stories.
The excitement continued with a small group workshop for a group of readers and writers from both grade levels. This intimate session gave students a rare opportunity to dive deep into the craft of storytelling alongside Mr. Sheinkin, learning about the writing process and what it takes to bring history to life through narrative. Mr. Sheinkin concluded the workshop with a special book signing; workshop participants received their own free Steve Sheinkin book – a treasured keepsake they'll carry with them for years to come.
Throughout his presentations, Mr. Sheinkin wove in themes of resilience, kindness, empathy, and integrity – values that resonate deeply with our school community. His visit reinforced our commitment to fostering a love of reading and helping students understand the power of storytelling.
We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Sheinkin for sharing his time and talent with our students, and to everyone who helped make this day possible. It's experiences like these that remind us why literacy matters and inspire the next generation of readers and writers.
By Mrs. Stacey D. Dell, Director of Curriculum and Special Programs, Union City Area School District