On October 27, celebrated author Jeff Kinney, creator of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, traveled to Freeman Public Schools (FPS) in the small town of Adams, Nebraska. The visit was organized as a surprise Halloween‑themed assembly for students who were not in class that day.
Surprise assembly delights students
Media specialist Becky Weyere coordinated with Kinney’s team to keep the event a secret until the children arrived. When the author appeared, students were greeted with games, book talks and a few unexpected treats. Librarians and students from neighboring schools were also invited, turning the gathering into a broader community celebration.
Generous donation supports the school library
During the assembly, Kinney announced a personal contribution of $1,000 worth of books. The donation includes a selection of diverse children’s titles as well as additional copies of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books that will be added to the FPS library collection. The gift is intended to broaden reading options for students and encourage a love of literature beyond the popular series.
Local impact and parental response
Parents and teachers praised the event for its focus on literacy and community spirit. “It’s wonderful to see a nationally known author take the time to visit our school and give back,” said a parent who asked to remain unnamed. “The new books will give our kids more choices and help them see themselves reflected in the stories they read.”
School officials noted that the surprise assembly aligns with FPS’s ongoing efforts to promote reading for pleasure and to provide a well‑rounded educational experience. The donation will be cataloged and made available to students during regular library hours.
Looking ahead
Freeman Public Schools plans to build on the momentum of Kinney’s visit by organizing additional author talks and reading events throughout the school year. The district hopes that the excitement generated by the Halloween assembly will translate into higher library circulation numbers and stronger community involvement in school programs.
Jeff Kinney’s appearance in Adams underscores the value of bringing national cultural figures to small‑town classrooms, reminding residents that even remote communities can enjoy the same enriching experiences as larger cities.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
