Forney Authors Donate Their Children’s Books to Criswell Elementary School

Forney children’s book authors and illustrators, Joey and Melanie Acker, recently visited Criswell Elementary School to read their recent release to children and their families and to donate copies of their books to the Susan K. Nelson library at the school. The donations took place at the Criswell Elementary School Family Reading Night on Thursday, Dec. 6.

The Criswell faculty, PTO members, and Lions Club volunteers welcomed everyone to the Enchanted Forest for the Family Reading Night. Book fairies gave out books to all children in attendance while the Criswell bell ringers entertained everyone with Christmas tunes. The Criswell PTO-sponsored Cookies with Santa in the cafeteria and there were literacy games and craft stations in the gym.

“We had a lot of fun reading the books to the kids and their families at the Family Reading Night,” Joey stated. “It was great to see their reactions and interest in the books! We don’t always get an opportunity to see and hear those responses, so it was very rewarding and encouraging to know that they enjoyed our stories. The experience was special because it was my former elementary school and Susan K. Nelson was my librarian. It was an honor to be able to give back to the place that gave me a great educational foundation."

Joey and Melanie Acker are a husband and wife children’s book writing team. Together they have written and illustrated two children’ books, My P.E. Teacher is a Ninja and My Teacher is an Elf. Both of the books are based on the couple’s experiences as teachers.

Joey is a lifetime Forney resident and a 2003 graduate from Forney High School. He has taught Physical Education at Rhea Elementary since it opened in 2008.

Melanie has been a kindergarten teacher, a first grade teacher, and a counselor with Forney ISD.

My Teacher is an Elf has been a ‘Best New Release’ on Kindle and a #1 Best Seller in paperback on Amazon in two categories.

Copies of My Teacher is an Elf and My P.E. Teacher is a Ninja can be purchased on-line from Amazon and from Barnes and Noble.