On Thursday, December 28, the kids, families and tutors of 826LA East gathered for a festive holiday release party. The latest chapbook, titled, "Tight Red Pants, Tight Red Shirt, and a Mohawk," features students’ musings on music and musicians. As the proud authors read selections from their work, their audience listened with rapt attention to passages on Justin Bieber, the lifestyles of would-be rockstars, and the melodic verses of original songs!

Following the reading, we were paid a very special surprise visit from Jeff Kinney, author of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" book series. Kinney shared a bit of his creative process, revealing that the books were not only inspired by his own experiences as a wimpy kid, but that the books were initially targeted towards grown-up audiences. The author enthusiastically praised the resident authors of 826LA East, encouraging them to keep a journal and to discover the value of writing about daily life.

Following his talk, Kinney answered a few questions from the youth of 826LA, fielding inquiries concerning the books’ characters, as well as he the upcoming "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" feature-length motion picture.. Afterwards, we all enjoyed a festive holiday feast of Mexican food, courtesy of a donation from The William C. Bannerman Foundation. After celebrating our hard work, our special guest, and the upcoming holiday season, we parted ways for the winter break. We at 826LA wish you a very happy and healthy new year, and we look forward to seeing you in 2010!