Students at Hillside Elementary School got a rare and exciting treat on Monday, March 2, 2026, when Lauren Tarshis, author of the beloved I Survived series, paid a special visit to the school.
Tarshis, whose wildly popular series spans 26 books, spoke with students about her life as an author and gave them an inside look at her writing process. The I Survived series — which brings young readers face-to-face with some of history’s most dramatic events through the eyes of child characters — has captivated millions of readers across the country and made Tarshis one of the most recognized names in children’s literature.
Students were visibly excited to meet the author behind the books they know and love, eagerly soaking in her insights on storytelling, research, and what it takes to write a series that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The district would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Closter PTO for making this unforgettable experience possible. Events like this bring literacy to life and inspire our students to see themselves as readers — and perhaps one day, as writers too.
