A letter from Maureen Carbone, reading teacher from the South Elementary School in Hingham, Massachusetts

The month of March signifies South Elementary's school-wide Reading Incentive Program. After a successful month of students logging in over 28,000 hours of reading time, Author Bill Arienti came to South School to visit each classroom. During that time, Bill shared his life as a father, Quincy firefighter, and author of a series of children's books. To the younger students, Bill began his visit by reading his first book, Scooter the Rabbit, which tells the story of a rabbit who has the power to grant wishes that will benefit all. He talked about how exciting it can be to create different characters and to develop a lesson that will be learned from the story. Bill also spoke about the setting of his books, which all take place in Faxon Park in Quincy where Bill spent many wonderful hours as a youth. He spoke at length about how authors often incorporate their own experiences and memories into their stories. The older students were inspired by Bill's journey in becoming a writer and were encouraged to try their own hand at writing a special story of their own creation. It was amazing to watch the students respond to Bill as an author, and to ask so many wonderful questions about where he came up with the ideas for the characters and plot for each of the stories he has written.

Martha Evans, South's Reading Consultant remarked, "Bill Arienti brought the world of writing to South Elementary School for four glorious days. The children entered his life of an author who does not sit all day at a computer sipping a cup of tea and struggling to place words on paper. He is living his dream, fighting fires and writing children's books. You could feel the energy and enthusiasm in each classroom as Bill interacted with the students. It didn't matter which grade. Somehow Bill was able to reach each child and touch him. Essentially, a writer is a storyteller and Bill is a master."

South's Vice-Principal, Eliza Burns said, "Bill Arienti visited every classroom at South School, and in each classroom, the children were completely captivated by his storytelling! Students, teachers and parents are still commenting on his visit. In fact, Bill inspired many children to begin to write their own stories! Our reading Incentive Month was a success and the children were rewarded with a visit by an exciting and inspiring author."