View of San Bruno Mountains from Alta Loma Middle School

What Author C.B. Lee Told Alta Loma Middle School Students

“Mistakes are okay.”

That was the message that children’s book author C.B. Lee delivered to Alta Loma Middle School students during a January 24, 2020, visit.

In a Q&A session with students that took place across two schoolwide assemblies, the Sidekick Squad series writer spoke about her creative process.

She also talked about her life and her journey to becoming a writer, which included several career changes including stints as an archaeologist and middle school teacher.

Lee gifted the school two signed copies of Not Your Sidekick, the first book in the Sidekick Squad series, at the end of the event.

They will reside in the school library alongside Lee’s other books.

Lee’s visit was organized by seventh grade English teacher Morgan Kessell and in conjunction with the San Mateo County Libraries’ fifth annual Young Adult Novelist Convention (YANovCon).

“It was an exciting day,” said Kessell. “CB Lee's visit was a success, and I'm so proud of our students' excitement and positive welcome.” said Kessell.  

YANovCon connects award-winning, notable, and new young adult novelists to literary audiences through a half day of panel discussions, hangouts, and book signings.