In a first for the Nantucket Book Foundation, we welcomed a critically acclaimed pair of writers to our Writers in Schools program, bringing co-authors Ruta Septys and Steve Sheinkin to the Middle School and High School on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
We began our day greeting a warm and exuberant audience of Middle School students, including the island’s independent schools, The Nantucket New School and the Lighthouse School. The Bletchley Riddle, a thrilling novel set in the world of espionage and codebreaking in war-time England. World War II set the stage for a fascinating program that walked us through the process of collaboration, of creating character and setting the scene.
“We take many roads to reach a destination”, Ruta said, explaining the individual process each writer takes to tell a story. They both traveled different roads: Ruta, with a career in the music industry, telling stories through song; Steve was an indie filmmaker with his brother, telling stories through film. Their message to our students: there are many avenues to telling your story, to finding a story to tell.
These two prolific authors, each with multiple best-selling books, had advice and guidance for our high school students in how to approach and imagine the threads that lead to an idea and a book. Each outlined their own writing process; a reminder that writing is an individual journey. Steve always starts “with some kind of idea for a story”, followed by “lots of research and lots of notes”. His success was observing that “history had often failed to capture students” so he found a way to engage with the subject to weave a compelling story. Ruta took the lessons from her music career to understand the power of pacing learned from the rhythm and melody of a song. Historical fiction became a way to “shine light in darker corners of history. We never know how a story is going to hold a soul”, Ruta reflected. ”A book can save a life.”
Our day culminated with a small group session attended by interested students from both schools. Middle school teacher Na'sia Smith brought her Creative Writing class to join Sophomore Honors World History students led by teacher Lilian Sosa Medina who had meticulously crafted a blueprint of structure for students to create their own works of representation for the authors’ books. From detailed drawings and storyboards to an audio soundtrack, with the layering of music set to scenes, the students reflected the light that this program brings.
The heroes of our work with island students, the teachers and librarians, weave a world of study to incorporate themes and subjects explored. Librarian Rebecca Hickman said, “Our visit with authors Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin was nothing short of transformative for our students. Both writers brought history to life through their storytelling, sharing their creative processes with honesty, humor, and heart. Ruta’s reflections on empathy, resilience, and uncovering untold stories deeply resonated with students, while Steve’s insights into research, revision, and the thrill of discovery reminded them that history is full of mystery and meaning. Together, they inspired our young readers and writers to look closer, think deeper, and recognize the power of their own voices to tell stories that matter.” Librarian Jill Surprenant added, “Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin made their mark on Nantucket High School; they presented their expertise, their writing process, and most importantly, their stories and inspirations for doing what they do. They illuminated pathways to historical significance, empathy, and excellence.”
The imprint of this visit remains. As Jill comments, “Students are coming in a steady stream to check out books by both authors, to ask questions about the resources they recommended (like the Screenwriting books!), and simply to say Thank You for providing the opportunity and exposure to their greatness. Once again, I find myself exceptionally grateful to live in a community with a foundation such as the NBF. What they continue to give our children through the Visiting Author Program is nothing short of remarkable.”
Heading into our 15th year, our mission remains: to bring the power of words into the world for our students. Ruta's words say it best:
"What an honor to spend the day working with the students of Nantucket. They are readers, writers, and our future ambassadors of humanity who will make the world a better place. I left the island feeling inspired and reminded that investing in young hearts and minds always yields the greatest return."
Ruta and Steve's visit was made possible in part by a grant from The Community Foundation for Nantucket's Nantucket Fund and by donations from supporters, like you!
The Visiting Author Program was created by NBF Co-founder Mary Haft. Special thanks for realizing this program each year go to Mary, to Nantucket Book Partners for selling books, and to all of our teachers and librarians, especially Board members Rebecca Hickman and Jill Surprenant. The Visiting Author Program is supported through out the year in part by grants from the Community Foundation for Nantucket’s Nantucket Fund, The Nantucket Golf Club Foundation, and the Nantucket Cultural Council.
"The Visit from the author was amazing! It was such a surreal experience getting to meet Ruta Sepetys, as she is my favorite author! It was incredible getting to present my project to her and see how much she enjoyed it and appreciated the soundtrack I made. She was so inspiring and really helped me think about what I want to do with my life. She was so inspirational in every way! I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity!!!"
- Robert Graves, NHS Sophomore
"I really enjoyed their passion and kindness towards us as they tried to leave us with something that would inspire us. They were extremely nice and well-spoken. I really enjoyed our time with them. I learned a lot and left with a passion to write my own book."
- Edward H, NHS Sophomore
"Bomb was a great book and really showed me how smart Oppenheimer was. The story really highlighted the psychological dilemma of whether it was the right decision, and what others would have done in Oppenheimer's position."
- F. Massey, NHS Sophomore
"I liked how engaging the authors were with us. They made us actually enjoy the presentations rather than just listen and watch. I learned a lot more about history and how their books come to life. It was very interesting…thank you so much for coming to our school."
- Markus V., NHS Sophomore
"Ya’ll did a good job! These people seemed very passionate about their work and also had some great books."
- Owen M., NHS Sophomore)
"It was a great experience for me and for my students as well. They did an exciting new project and were happy we did something different with authors they read before. They were also very happy that the authors took the time to listen to them and read their work."
- Ms Sosa, NHS Social Studies Teacher
"I thought the author visit was fantastic. Both Ruta and Steve were super engaging and their story telling ability is some of the best we’ve seen at NHS. I left feeling inspired by them, picked up several of their titles, and can’t wait to read their books. Great job and thank you!"
- NHS teacher
"I was so thrilled to attend the Visiting Authors presentation with my CPS students last week! Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin were both so engaging and shared wonderful stories and spoke about their adventures, and they held the attention of our entire student body, which is not always easy to do! I loved how they sparked the imagination of so many students, and were really able to relate their characters to our kids. I am so grateful to the Nantucket Book Foundation, as well as our School Librarians, for bringing this opportunity to the Cyrus Peirce School students!"
- Melissa Lake, 7th Grade Counselor
"Ruta Sepetys was truly an inspiration. Never have I met such a wordsmith. Every single sentence she spoke was charming, meant for the stage. Choosing the exact words needed to make out an enchanting thought. When she spoke, everyone stopped to listen. She is a poet, a storyteller, someone truly worth hearing out. She was delightful when it came to talking about writing and her novels. She was super interested in what students had to say or share, showing her gratefulness and appreciation for the experience she had at CPS. We all had so much fun spending time with her!"
- Demi Popnikolova
“Curiosity," he said. He wanted us to be curious, to feel empowered enough to go pursue the ambitions dancing at the back of our minds. That is his goal. He wants to let us to feel wonder, to freely marvel in what we could do, or rather, should do. Meeting Steve Sheinkin was so exciting! He is extremely friendly— being so very open regarding his novels and writing process. He was also super sympathetic, making jokes and laughing with the students. Steve was never afraid to engage with the kids here at CPS, sharing his ideas and opinions, as well as complementing students’ hard work. We all enjoyed our time spent with him!"
- Demi Popnikolova
"After the inspiring presentation in the auditorium, I had the chance to meet Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin in our library. I shared one of my projects with them and received thoughtful advice for the next steps. Ruta also spoke about her journey to finding a literary agent, and I could truly see myself in her words, it was both encouraging and deeply motivating."
- Kaeyllane DeLima Dias, CPS Chorus Teacher
