BARNSTABLE — Superintendent Sara Ahern and Principal Beth Forbes are eager to announce that Barnstable-West Barnstable Elementary School (BWB) is partnering with Belonging Books to host visiting authors and help promote a culture of belonging for all students.

Belonging Books is a community program that shares the voices and stories of people of color and other underrepresented communities in school districts. The program facilitates local authors’ visits to students in each grade level over a two-day period. During their visit, authors read their books and led writing, illustration, and storytelling workshops. Each of the books centers on culturally diverse themes.

Over the course of the school year, four local Cape Cod authors will visit students in grades K-3. 

“I am thrilled to partner with Belonging Books throughout the school year to bring this program to our community,” Principal Forbes said. “Connecting our students with these authors to share their storytelling processes is amazing. It means a lot to our students to look up to accomplished authors making strides in representing our diverse backgrounds.”

Earlier this month, the first author, Barnstable alum Gabriel Ribeiro, visited the kindergarten classes to present his book “Autumn Fairies.” During his visit, Ribeiro, a native Portuguese speaker, shared his language with students and prepared an activity for students to create their own fairies.

Other local authors who will visit BWB include Katherine Lockwood (first grade), Mary E. Cronin (second grade), and Stephanie Seales (third grade). These authors will focus on themes ranging from racial equity and disability awareness to familial backgrounds.

“This program is helping us pursue our commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and community,” Superintendent Ahern said. “Our partnership with Belonging Books enhances our holistic approach to creating a learning environment that challenges, supports, and engages our students. I am grateful for our visiting authors and their efforts in helping students develop their literacy skills while fostering a sense of belonging.”

This local author study program was made possible through the Enoch Cobb Trust.