Prince George County Public Schools welcomed well-known writer and New York Times-bestselling author John Schu to several campuses during the week of September 21, 2026, for a variety of presentations, classroom visits, and meet-and-greet experiences for students across multiple grade levels. 

Across four days, Schu visited South and Middle Road Elementary Schools, J.E.J. Moore Middle School, and N.B. Clements Junior High School. Schu's educational background, having earned 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 visits. During his nearly weeklong tour of Prince George County, where he met with students, teachers, and administrators, Schu recounted his childhood, the authors, poets, and writers who inspired him, and offered words of encouragement and celebration through storytelling and interactive participation segments. 

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After grade-level presentations at the two elementary schools, Schu hosted one-on-one meet-and-greet book-signing sessions with students and teachers, allowing time for quick chats, photo opportunities, and the chance to have their book signed by the author. Elementary school students received free copies of Schu's book, This Is a Story or The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, a book close to Schu's heart that recounts the true story of a captive silverback gorilla named Ivan, told from Ivan's point of view. 

Moore's seventh graders and Clements' eighth graders received copies of Louder than Hunger, a New York Times-bestselling young adult book inspired by Schu's deeply personal experiences managing mental health and pain and finding a path forward through love, self-acceptance, and support.

"He wears his whole heart on his sleeve, and he sees our students, so just watching those kids be seen by him is just magical," South Elementary School librarian and passionate reader Ms. Tiffany Maxwell shared. "I find myself just watching the kids' and teachers' faces light up, and it's contagious. I look forward to seeing that spark continue throughout the year because his visit really created a reading culture here at South last year. They love to read here, and I think it is because we're able to bring in authors like John to meet our kids."

This visit marks the second time Schu has visited Prince George County Public Schools' campuses. During the 2025-26 School Year, Schu visited South Elementary, L.L. Beazley Elementary, and David A. Harrison Elementary for similar reading and meet-and-greet events.