Daniel José Older, the featured author for One Book One Norristown 2023, visited Norristown Area High School, Roosevelt Campus of NAHS, CCATE, and Theater Horizon on Friday, September 29.
As part of Norristown Area School District’s participation with the literacy and arts initiative One Book One Norristown, a mural was commissioned and inspired by the young adult novel Shadowshaper, written by New York Times bestselling author Daniel José Older. Mr. Older is the lead story architect for Star Wars: The High Republic, recipient of the International Latino Book Award, and a nominee for the Kirkus Prize, The World Fantasy Award, and the Andre Norton Award, just to name a few.
Mr. Older started his day on Friday at NAHS where he read a chapter from Shadowshaper, answered student interview questions, and signed copies of his books for students. In the afternoon, Mr. Older made his way to the Roosevelt Campus of NAHS where he was able to see the mural inspired by his novel for the first time.
The mural was designed by Philadelphia artist Drew Montemayor. Mr. Montemayor’s piece aims to reflect our school district and community at large. The mural represents a truly collaborative community arts experience, as our NASD students, faculty and staff, and community members worked diligently over two weeks in August to create the mural.
There is so much detail in the mural that symbolizes many different things. The stairs in the arms represent the many steps students and their families have taken. The wifi symbol stands for connection, and from connection comes growth, represented by the plants. The eagle soaring above is a symbol of dreams that can reach new heights, and the feathers falling below represent that those dreams are always within reach. These are just a few of the many symbols in the beautiful mural. Mr. Older said
“I got to see my story come to life on a whole [new] level.”
We are extremely proud of the collaboration, creativity, and love for the Norristown area community that went into making this mural a reality. After visiting Roosevelt, Mr. Older went to CCATE, Center for Culture, Art, Training, and Education in Norristown.
The day culminated with an event at Theater Horizon in Norristown. With nearly a full house, the event started with a traditional dance performance by NAHS students Edeline Rosales and Alexander DeSantiago from Ballet Folklorico las Chinas. Then Mr. Older was welcomed onto the stage. He read a chapter from The Book of Lost Saints, his first adult novel. After the chapter reading, Mr. Older sat down with NAHS senior, Hope Mauch, and ESTLA teacher, Thaddaeus Peay-Gardner. Through the interview Mr. Older shared so much about himself and his story. He said
“I believe stories are the most powerful thing in the world.”
and
“Every one of us has a whole library inside of us.”
After questions from the interviewers, Mr. Older answered a few questions from audience members. Following the interview, members from Los primos de Guerrero (Silvino Pastor, Brandon Nepo, and Joesel Evangelista) performed. Their guitar melodies captivated the audience and had them joining in by clapping and singing. To conclude the evening, Mr. Older met community members and signed copies of his books for them.
Check out One Book One Norristown’s September Newsletter for even more on Daniel Josee Older’s visit to NASD.
On behalf of the Norristown Area School District:
Thank you Daniel José Older for taking time to come and be with our students and community. Thank you for inspiring our scholars and showing up for them in so many ways.
Thank you Drew Montemayor for your amazing work and willingness to collaborate with our students and community.
Thank you Dr. Monica D’Antonio for your continued support of NASD and your leadership with One Book One Norristown.
Thank you Eileen Hallstrom and the Literary Council of Norristown for your help and collaboration with One Book One Norristown.
Thank you Jill Myers, Misty Cincotti, and Johathan Eisen for your dedication to our scholars as teachers at NAHS and for your involvement with One Book One Norristown.