2026
Highlands School Celebrates Reading with Fifth Annual Read-a-Thon
April 21, 2026 - This year, the Highlands School kicked off their fifth annual Read-a-Thon which ran from April 13th - 24th. They invited D.A. Jennings to join them as a Guest Reader, and she read The Tapping Stick...a perfect choice for a spring reading event. The children eagerly answered her questions and showcased not only their intelligence but also their imaginations. What fun students! Stay reading.
Books, Biscuits, and Big Smiles in Aberdeen
March 30. 2026 - The Aberdeen Chick-fil-A brought the community together once again, inviting D.A. Jennings back to share a lively reading of The Tapping Stick with families in the Aberdeen area. As part of their popular Books and Biscuits program, they went all in—providing each family not only a copy of the book, but also seeds and planting pots to keep the story growing long after the last page.
The room was full of curious young minds, great questions, and plenty of familiar faces mixed with new ones. It made for a fun, welcoming morning that felt equal parts storytime and community gathering.
A special shoutout to Sarah and Myah for pulling it all together—they made it look easy (as usual).
Women’s History Month:
Stories, Voices, and the Power of the Page
Drawing from both her own journey and the stories of others, Jennings highlighted the lasting impact women have made across the literary world. Her presentation offered an engaging and inspiring look at women who responded—and those still responding—to the lure of the blank page.
A keynote speaker and guest presenter for the Maryland State Literacy Association and the Harford County chapter, Jennings has received grants for her work from the Maryland State Arts Council and earned international recognition for her books. Since 2015, she has taught Creative Writing at Harford Community College, and since 2019, she has shared her stories with thousands of public and private elementary school students.
During the presentation, she also discussed how her books weave together historical fact and fiction, encouraging attendees to see how their own experiences can become powerful stories on the page. The follow-up discussion was lively, thoughtful, and full of energy.
Special thanks to Gay Lynn Price for organizing this meaningful event and bringing the community together in celebration of women’s voices in literature, and to photographer Pat Venturino for her excellent images..
Books and Biscuits: Morning Brings Stories and Smiles to Local Families
March 19, 2026 - Chick-fil-A, in Constant Friendship, Abingdon, hosted D.A. Jennings to read her timeless story The Tapping Stick for their Book and Biscuit morning. The event came in time to get everyone in the proper mindset for Arbor Day in April! Every family attending received a complimentary copy of the book, and were also given seeds and a planting pot for growing spring flowers courtesy of Chick-fil-A. It was a fun time interacting with local families and the great staff at the restaurant!
Maryland Literacy Association Celebrates Young Authors and Honors D.A. Jennings
March 10, 2026 - The Harford County Literacy Chapter’s Young Authors’ Writing Contest Celebrations, held at the Towson University North East Academic Building at Harford Community College, recognized the writing contest winners for 2025-2026. Each child read their winning entries to the audience of families and teachers. During the ceremony, D.A. Jennings received the 2025-2026 Friend of Literacy Award for her “…creativity and uplifting service to others…” It is the first time this award has been given in the forty-six-year history of the organization. Kudos to Cheryl Monk for putting on such a lovely ceremony.
Inspiring Family Literacy in Action
February 7, 2026 - D.A. Jennings was invited to share practical insights and creative strategies for designing a Family Reading Event at the State of Maryland Literacy Association (SoMLA) Assembly Meeting.
The focus of the session centered on building genuine connection — encouraging interaction among teachers, students, and families while making literacy engaging and fun. Attendees explored ideas for strengthening school-to-home partnerships and creating experiences that extend beyond a single evening.
The meeting was hosted by Park Books in Severna Park, Maryland, providing a warm and welcoming setting for collaboration and conversation. The event was co-organized by Sandra Keaton of SoMLA and Melody Wukitch of Park Books, whose thoughtful planning made the gathering a success.
A strong reminder that when passionate educators come together, great things happen for readers of all ages.
Get Ready for
Kip and the Land Pirates
