 Borough President Vito Fossella smiled as he leaned against a bookshelf in the library of P.S. 32 as he waited for Madison Piantosi to walk through the doors. When she did, she was greeted with a chorus of “Surprise” from Principal Nancy Spataro, Assistant Principal Evy Schultz, her teachers, her classmates -- and most importantly, her family. Madison, now a fifth-grade student, was among the winners in the 2023 “Readers Are Leaders Challenge.” Last year, for the first time in the Challenge’s history, the winners were offered the opportunity to write a story or book of their own with one selected for publication. Still not sure what was going on, Madison shyly nodded when Vito asked if she remembered participating in the Readers Are Leaders Challenge and if she remembered writing a book when she was in the fourth-grade. “Well, you were not alone,” said Borough President Fossella during a visit to Madison's school. “A lot of students submitted books, but we could only choose one winner who could actually get the book published. And, you know what book we chose -- yours!” Vito held the manuscript in his hand of Madison’s short story, titled “The Time The Sisters Switched,” a tale of sibling rivalry and sisterly love which carries the message that anything is possible. “The Time The Sisters Switched” will be published by Bob Williams, the owner of Showtime Publications. He will be partnering with Denise Arena, owner of Wizard of Art & Design, who will craft the illustrations to bring Madison’s story to life. “Your book will be in every bookstore, not only in the country, but around the world,” Willams told Madison. “Now, what I want you to think about is where do you want to have your first book signing? Do you want to have it here at school? All the kids are going to want a signed copy of your book. Do you want to have it at Barnes & Noble? You’ll be a big shot at Barnes & Noble.” Principal Nancy Spataro said the school places a strong emphasis on writing. “We know this was in the fourth-grade,” said Principal Spataro. “There were some rough drafts along the way, you persevered, you didn’t give up, and look where you are now.” The most poignant moment was saved for Madison’s dad, Michael. “I am so proud of you,” he said as father-and-daughter locked in a long, tearful hug. “Like, I tell you all the time, if you put your mind to it, you can do anything you want to do. And, this is just proof. I see big things.” Comments are closed.
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