Pupils take on roles as author visits North Augusta school

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See highlights of the visit.

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NORTH AUGUSTA -- Pocket protectors and black-rimmed glasses were in style at Hammond Hill Elementary today as pupils celebrated children’s author Michael Buckley’s latest series NERDS.

Mr. Buckley visited the school today for a character parade where each grade dressed as characters from NERDS and his other series, The Sisters Grimm.

The New York Times best-selling author said his 2007 visit to the Aiken County school contributed to him pursuing the book when so many pupils were excited about the idea of fifth-graders saving the world.

Fifth-grade teacher Nikki Mock initiated the school’s relationship with Mr. Buckley three years ago when she incorporated The Sisters Grimm series into her curriculum. Pupils wrote the author encouraging him to visit the school, which he accepted. His popularity has even created a two-month wait on all of his books in Aiken County libraries.

As part of his second visit to North Augusta, the author will hold a book signing at Nancy Carson Library at 4 p.m. this afternoon. Nancy Carson Library is located at 135 Edgefield Road, North Augusta.