The N.B. Clements Junior High School community welcomed well-known writer and New York Times bestselling author John Schu to campus on Monday, September 21, 2026, for a morning of inspiration and encouragement.

During a pair of assemblies with Clements' eighth-grade students, Schu engaged them through laughter and reflections on his childhood, his challenges, and how he overcame them through positive experiences with teachers and by turning to the world of literature. 

SEE MORE PHOTOS: PGCPS on Flickr

His educational background, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and master's degrees in teaching and leadership, along with library and information science, served him well during his presentations to the school's eighth-grade community. Alongside his energetic presentation, Schu got students to participate in segments and handed out dozens of free books to students and teachers.

After the assemblies, each student received their own copy of Louder than Hunger, a New York Times bestselling young adult book inspired by Schu's deeply personal experiences with managing mental health and pain and finding a path forward through love, self-acceptance, and support. Later that day during lunch, some students had the opportunity to have their books signed by Schu and have a one-on-one conversation with an award-winning author and public speaker, giving students the chance to learn about pathways to writing from industry professionals and potentially inspiring the next generation of writers in our community.

During the week of September 21, Schu will visit South Elementary School, Middle Road Elementary School, and J.E.J. Moore Middle School for assemblies and meet-and-greet book-signing sessions with students and teachers. 

This visit marks the second time Schu has visited Prince George County Public Schools' campuses. During the 2025-26 School Year, Schu visited three elementary schools, South Elementary, L.L. Beazley Elementary, and David A. Harrison Elementary, for similar events. During these visits, students also received free copies of the book The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, which recounts the true story of a captive silverback gorilla named Ivan, told from his point of view, a book Schu holds close to his heart.

"I read The One and Only Ivan on December 27, 2011, and remember feeling as though I was glued to the book," Schu recounted in his book, The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life. "The fictional tale of a real-life shopping mall gorilla, who discovers the healing power of friendship, went everywhere with me… Ivan's story moved me on such a personal level that I began to share his book with everyone I could. As a reader, teacher, and school librarian, I'd read thousands of books by that point. What was it about this particular book that spoke to me?"

Schu continued, "In hindsight, I realized that Ivan's story spoke to me in a private, quiet way. As I was reading it, I started to understand parts of myself. His experiences through struggles, loss, survival, friendship, and hope are universal stories that, when shared through the heart, connect us all."

To see more photos from John Schu's visit to Prince George County, visit PGCPS’ Flickr channel.