Fan Mail Wednesday #98 (The Video Edition!)

Here at Jamespreller.com, we’re all about the latest in breakthrough technology. Actually, it was first suggested at least a year ago by my friend Paul, and I replied, “I’ll get right on it!” So I overcame my fears and, with the help of my 11-year-old son, posted my first Youtube video in response to the letter below.

What do you think? Are you purists aghast? Or merely agog? Is this something I should try again . . . or perhaps nevermore?

Please click on the video below to see my awkward, stumbling response. Experts in the business sometimes say that the camera loves certain celebrities.

Personally, I’m not feeling it.

Anyway, I don’t mean for the medium to overwhelm the content of Michael’s letter. I wasn’t sure how to reply to news of a reading teacher who prevented a boy from reading the books he clearly seems to enjoy. It’s not about me. But I do feel that when a young student expresses enthusiasm for a certain book or series of books, when he shows interest and motivation, that’s not something you want to suppress. Have at it, I say. At the same time, I’ve only heard one side of the story.

You need to a flashplayer enabled browser to view this YouTube video

5 comments

  1. Liz S says:

    Love the vid! And moreover, love the idea of a compromise: reading 2 or 3 JJ’s adds up to one big book. Nice idea.

  2. Shannon says:

    Love it! Great video, Jimmy. Hope the reading teacher takes you up on your suggestion!

  3. Great video! Loved it, but it made me feel guilty. I have a stack of letters here to answer. I’m not good at letter writing. I even ordered special paper to write on, but I have yet to use it. Ugh. But no more! Your video has inspired me. You will battle your leaves and I will battle letter-writing procrastination. Hopefully we will both be victorious!

  4. jimmy says:

    Charise, I just responded to this topic in the comments section of “Fan Mail Wednesday #99” — you should check it out.

    All I can say is, I completely identify to that guilty feeling.

  5. Brandy McClure says:

    I am the librarian who sent you Michael’s letter. Thanks so much for responding to him – on You Tube, no less! He will be absolutely thrilled to see this! It means so much that you would take the time to respond to a student’s letter in such a meaningful way. Thanks for writing books that kids love, and for caring about the kids who love your books!

Leave a Reply to Charise Harper Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.