Author Jeff Kinney virtually visits DoDEA Pacific classrooms

The Department of Defense Education Activity – Pacific Region partnered with the USO Indo-Pacific to bring Jeff Kinney, author of the bestselling children’s book series, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” to more than 10,000 DoDEA students virtually in celebration of the Month of the Military Child on April 11, 2023.

Students and staff enjoyed participating in the live conversation, tuning in at schools across the Pacific to learn about Mr. Kinney’s writing process. Several students at McCool Elementary Middle School, Humphreys West Elementary School, and Yokosuka Middle School had an opportunity to ask Mr. Kinney questions about their favorite characters in the series, inside jokes, the language translation process, and more.

“If you have a story that is in your heart, you should get it out there,” Kinney said. “Once you do that, you are a writer. You are a creator.”

Mr. Kinney offered great advice and encouragement to our aspiring young writers and artists.

“I don’t think I can put into words how worthwhile this is for students and for us as teachers,” said Sara Wood, Bob Hope Elementary School teacher.

The DoDEA Pacific Region appreciates its strong partnership with the USO Indo-Pacific. Since 2020, military-connected students have experienced virtual programming designed to enhance curricular programs featuring talent such as Bill Nye the Science Guy, actress/singer Sofia Carson, actors Ralph Macchio and Yuji Okumoto of Cobra Kai, members of the U.S. Olympic swim team, the USO Show Troupe, and author Brad Meltzer.