By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer
Northborough – The students at the Fannie E. Proctor School were treated to a guest appearance by local author Jarrett J. Krosocza Dec. 15.
Krosocza has written and illustrated more than 25 books for young readers and is a two-time recipient of the Children’s Choice Book Award for third- and fourth-grade Book of the Year with his “Lunch Lady” series.
As a child, Krosocza was a reluctant reader but always loved to draw. He always made his own comics and fondly recalled a book that he wrote and illustrated in the third grade titled, “The Owl Who Thought He Was the Best Flyer.” While attending high school in Worcester, he was the cartoonist for the school paper. Writing and illustrating was something he was always passionate about and he knew that this was what he wanted to do. He pursued his dream while attending the Rhode Island School of Design.
“I get to use my imagination for my full-time job. It’s a lot of work but something I love to do. I wrote many things that were rejected time and time again by publishers. Although this was very discouraging, I never gave up,” Krosocza said.
While developing a book idea, to get inspiration, the author conducts extensive research. For “Platypus Police Squad,” he rode along with the Northampton Police Department for the day. The “Lunch Lady” series was inspired by when Krosocza went back to his high school for a visit with several of his teachers with one of his published books.
“When I was younger, I never knew that the lunch ladies went home. This notion was the spark for this series of books,” he explained.
Proctor School Librarian Joanne Giancola met Krosocza four years ago at the Children’s Author Institute and thought he would be a terrific guest. She, along with Reading Specialist Sylvia Pabreza, wrote several grants to make this a reality. Thanks to the Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce, who funded sets of books for the classrooms, and the local Cultural Council and Parent-Teacher Organization, who helped fund the visit, the students had the opportunity to meet the author, ask questions and take inspiration from his journey.
“We felt that he could reach children that aren’t motivated by traditional methods of reading,” Giancola said. “He brings a very positive message especially to students who struggle with reading. For students in grades three, four and five, his graphic novels are very popular here in our school. He defends the value of graphic novels as part of each child’s experience as a reader.”
Added Pabreza: “He has become a successful author and is a great example of someone who has persevered. His books appeal to a wide range of interests.”
Krosocza is always brainstorming on his next idea. He has 10 “Lunch Lady” books and is currently in a development deal with “Punk Farm” and the Lunch Lady series to become feature films. He has several other projects in the works as well.
Krosocza lives in Western Massachusetts with his family. His website is www.studioJJK.com.