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O. Penn-Coughin is a welcome addition to the slim ranks of authors who can write scary stories for children. His gift for writing and storytelling can magically transform a crowded gym into the more appropriate setting of a campfire in the woods. Joe’s experiences as a teacher help him to share his love of scary stories, writing, and the English and Spanish languages with children. I would highly recommend O. Penn-Coughin for an author visit to your school and library.
M.F. Specchierla
District Elementary Library Media Specialist
Chico, California
This was an awesome experience. The kids absolutely loved it! They were out of their minds with excitement.
Colleen Malley
Library Teacher, Sunset View Elementary
Kennewick, Washington
You made a definite impact on our kids. There isn’t a day that goes by in which I don’t see students reading a copy of your book. There is a waiting list in the library to check out your book of which we have twenty in circulation.
Dr. Joel Davidson
Principal, El Mirage Elementary
El Mirage, Arizona
Thank you so much for coming to our class. I have students who have MAYBE read one book all year and I heard them ask when they could buy yours. That is very special.
Thane Cascio
5th Grade Teacher, Buckingham Elementary
Bend, Oregon
We all thought you were wonderful. Since your visit many students who have previously been more than reluctant readers, have been glued to your book. Your presentation has also inspired students to write scary stories of their own. After the assembly staff commented that they had never seen the students more attentive to a presenter. I think it was particularly inspiring to our Latino students since you included many cultural references and used a bit of Spanish too.
Kim Beddor
Principal, Mt. Angel Middle School
Mt. Angel, Oregon
Joe Kehoe's talent lies in unlocking the power of words to electrify a story. He understands children, and he understands quality writing and literature. He brings it all together with the magic of story in all its elemental timeless simplicity. His ability to do so effortlessly in either English or Spanish, only adds to the impact. Joe Kehoe is inspirational, and will motivate and guide students to produce the best writing they have ever produced.
Susan Rodriguez
Principal, Barnes Elementary
Beaverton, Oregon
Joe's students have always loved his stories. His ability to spin a good yarn was most evident around Halloween and el día de los muertos, when it was lights out, flashlights on, and let the stories begin. His imaginative, age-appropriate, and always entertaining stories have been engaging and scaring a generation of children. I can't wait to read his new book to my granddaughters.
Stephanie Parker
Assistant Superintendent, North Mason School District
Belfair, Washington
I just want you to know how timely, appropriate, and motivational the presentation was this morning! Many students who have never been seen with a book in their hands were begging for a copy! The lively reading was engaging enough for our most resistant listeners, and the discussions about the writing process really hit home! It was money well spent. Thanks for a quality presentation, and for targeting the reluctant reader/writer.
Cristen Hardin
Library Media Specialist, Mountain Ridge Middle School
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Joe Kehoe is a highly talented writer who engages children with his stories. His ability to transition between English and Spanish is impressive and authentic. Children of all ages are sure to enjoy the storytelling of this gifted man.
Dr. Perla Rodriguez
Principal, Cornelius Elementary School
Forest Grove, Oregon
Thanks for making me look good! They all think I am a genius for bringing you here.
Kathryn Harmon
Librarian, Neah-Kah-Nie Middle School
Rockaway Beach, Oregon
Our students were PUMPED after your visit! It was all they could talk about at lunch. I had several come to the office to borrow books for the weekend (WOW!) and many others tell me that they were excited to start their own stories. You inspired our students. Gracias!
Cary Palumbo
Principal, South Park Elementary
Pueblo, Colorado
We SO enjoyed O. Penn-Coughin at DeLay Middle School yesterday! The kids are still talking about how much fun it was when he scared them. We have several copies of his book for check out in the library (we gave 40 away), and the students were at my library door at 7:45 this morning to get them.
Deborah Lilly
Librarian, DeLay Middle School
Lewisville, Texas
My class and I really enjoyed your stories. I haven’t seen the kids so interested and paying so much attention to somebody as they did yesterday.
Patricia Sabin
4th Grade TWI Teacher, Fern Hill Elementary
Forest Grove, Oregon
Thank you for visiting with our students and sharing your obvious love for writing. Writing is an area many of my students struggle in, but hearing your stories and knowing that you wrote them definitely inspired many. My class sends a big Thank You for visiting our school and sharing your gift.
Grant Faulconer
5th Grade Teacher, Vern Patrick Elementary
Redmond, Oregon
It was so great for several reasons. First, the stories were well written and scary. I even jumped! Second, the stories were multi-cultural. My Spanish-speaking students loved the clown story. Third, the presentation was fantastic! My kids were enthralled – and terrified!
Jaime Speed
4th Grade Teacher, Juniper Elementary
Bend, Oregon
I thought Mr. Coughin’s presentation was excellent. His stories were captivating – just as good storytelling should be. I thought his presentation was particularly excellent for a student population such as ours, which includes a significant Latino population.
Kevin Ortega
Counselor, Mt. Angel Middle School
Mt. Angel, Oregon
I particularly liked how you related your experiences as an English language learner and how you talked to the kids about how important it was for you to find something in books that you just loved.
David Dorman
Principal, Fern Hill Elementary
Forest Grove, Oregon
Thank YOU for being here! It was nice to see our normally blasé students get excited about something. I have received nothing but positive comments and praise – the kids would definitely love to have you back again.
Karrie Romero
Media Specialist, Combs Middle School
Queen Creek, Arizona
The teachers loved having you reinforce writing strategies, the kids loved your stories, and I loved your obvious enjoyment of sharing those stories. Our principal told me he had heard from many students and teachers that they loved having you at our school! Thanks for inspiring our students!
Kate MacMillan
Media Specialist, Butler Creek Elementary
Gresham, Oregon
We had a great time having you read here, so many kids were psyched about the book, and I had several parents tell me that your book got their non-reader reading! I appreciated your discussion of the writing process in between your readings; you had a captive audience and they were eager to listen.
Charles Leckenby
Library Technician/STR, Steele Elementary
Denver, Colorado
Thank you soooo much for a fantastic evening! I am hearing nothing but rave reviews from the students, parents, and teachers who attended. It inspired some amazing writing in one of our 7th grade Humanities classrooms (some very scary stories no doubt).
Amy Wilde
Librarian, Cascade Middle School
Bend, Oregon
The kids loved your presentation and are enjoying your book. The classroom teachers really appreciated having another adult (an author, no less) re-iterate the essentials of good writing with their students. They asked me to bring you back next year!
Cindy Kullberg
Media Specialist, Lynch Meadows Elementary
Portland, Oregon
The students had a fabulous time. I really enjoyed the stories as much as they did. I appreciate you coming in and reading your very engaging stories. They loved them. Many students get turned on to reading from reading scary short stories. I am glad that they were exposed to more!
SeAnn Sivly
5/6 Teacher, White Center Heights
Seattle, Washington
I was in Mr. Kehoe's class about ten years ago and the memory of his scary stories still haunts me today! Everyday after recess we would come into class and listen to him read a story. They were so FUN! He was one of my favorite teachers, and by far my favorite storyteller. He had a way to paint a picture in my mind that was clear and accurate, the cadence in his voice made it suspenseful, but his personality came out and kept us safe.
Adriana Barrero
Former Student
You are truly gifted. Days later I am still being stopped by teachers and students telling me how much they enjoyed the scary stories. We loved the different characters and how the screams at the end got everyone to jump.
Marcia Joyce
Librarian, Holaway Elementary
Tucson, Arizona
Thank you for getting students excited about reading and language!
Tammy Stewart
Principal, McElwain Elementary
Denver, Colorado
My granddaughter was so impressed when you spoke at her school. Anything that makes a child want to read is OK with me. Thanks again.
Amy Brewer
Grandmother
Glendale, Arizona
Our students loved having you visit us. They talked about you and the stories all afternoon. The book has been a big hit. Kids were lined up in the office this morning to buy their copy.
Vicky Frandsen
Principal, Toutle Lake Elementary
Toutle, Washington
Great stories that let the reader use his or her imagination!
Dave Brouillard
5th Grade Teacher, John Tuck Elementary
Redmond, Oregon
Some of my fondest memories of our time together was anticipating your scary stories. I would love how you would always set the scene. You would turn off the lights and everyone had to be ever so quiet. I would usually be correcting papers in the back of the room and you would read with such expression that I was hanging on your every word. You made me scream more than once and everyone delighted in that fact, including me. It used to tickle me so much that you could always get me! The children in the classroom would always be begging for more stories. I always thought you were a natural-born storyteller.
Dianna Crosby
Teaching Assistant, Echo Shaw Elementary
Forest Grove, Oregon
Thank you for coming. Everyone had a great time, and all the books were sold by the next day.
Robin Weldon
Principal, Miles Exploratory Learning Center
Tucson, Arizona
Joe Kehoe has a profound respect for the intellectual and spiritual life of children. That respect shines through when he engages them with his stories. The kids are pulled in and he takes them on a ride that leaves them eager to create their own writing masterpieces. The joy and concentration on their faces says it all. He is not merely entertaining. He is lighting a spark in their minds, increasing motivation for reading, and passing the storytelling torch onto these little creative beings. The world of education would be better off if there were more Joe Kehoes in it. My own young daughter, a burgeoning reader and writer, loves nothing more than a good scary story from Joe.
Morgan Emrich
Middle School Teacher, Reynolds Middle School
Adjunct Education Professor, Concordia University
Portland, Oregon
The students were on the edge of their seats from the moment you stepped in and turned off the lights, then jumping out of their seats during your animated telling of these frightening (and humorous) stories. They laughed, screamed, and smiled during the very engaging storytelling.
Kathryn Colt
4th Grade Teacher, Bear Creek Elementary
Bend, Oregon
The students and teachers loved the presentation. The students were so excited to go back to class and begin their own scary story.
Colleen Duke
Librarian, Seabourn Elementary
Mesquite, Texas
First and foremost, Joe Kehoe loves children. It is that dedication and warmth that you'll find in his writings. Joe's talent rests with his ability to tell captivating stories to children that will encourage their love for literacy. Needless to say, you will find Joe Kehoe's books on my daughter's bookshelf.
Heidi Smith
Teacher, Fern Hill Elementary
Forest Grove, Oregon
I remember a scary story about an old lady with a tin of coins and Mr. Kehoe shook a tin of Altoids so that we all felt like she was in the room. This is just one example where he made the stories come alive and made the class anxious for the next story. Mr. Kehoe loved telling stories and put a lot of ingenuity and effort into it and this is what creates memories for students. His scary stories are one of the few things I remember from elementary school and one of the things that made learning fun.
Elke Swakhammer
Former Student
Working in the adjoining room from Joe was a scary proposition! I never knew when I would walk in and find everyone on the edge of their seats, ready to scream – and that was before he started telling his stories! His caring was evident. He had a special relationship with his students. Joe is a special person. He possesses a unique ability to inspire students with his scary stories.
Allan Horwitz
Teacher, Reading Specialist, English Learners Coordinator
36-year veteran of Los Angeles Unified School District, Retired
Joe has a definite charisma about him when he tells a story. He feels the intensity of each character and brings them to life for his students. The audience is captivated by his presentation and yearns for more. His selections are age appropriate; in fact students of all ages enjoy his skill. He enthusiastically encourages and persuades students to give their best and feel the joy as they strive to create their own presentations. Joe is a storyteller who enjoys telling the story as much as the audience enjoys being entertained.
Janice Storey
Reading Specialist, Echo Shaw Elementary
Forest Grove, Oregon
Perfectly written and performed for this age group. Can you come back next year? Thank you!
Todd Jacobson
4th Grade Teacher, Bear Creek Elementary
Bend, Oregon
O. Penn-Coughin has the ability to make any scary story seem as if it were reality. The way he tells a story paints a vivid picture in your mind, so clear you feel you were the main character.
Daniel Nkemontoh
Former Student
Joe Kehoe is a gifted writer and storyteller. Joe and I taught fourth grade together for many years when he first moved to Oregon. Instead of being his fourth grade teammate, I really would have enjoyed being a student in his room so I could experience his engaging talent for storytelling and writing. Joe Kehoe is a uniquely talented individual.
Pam Brown
3rd Grade Teacher, Harvey Clarke Elementary
Forest Grove, Oregon
The kids were excited and are looking forward to seeing you next year. I appreciated your advice on writing about things you know about and how you described a healthy relationship with "fear." I personally enjoyed the stories that connect with other cultures and history.
Clay Warburton
4th Grade Teacher, Sisters Elementary
Sisters, Oregon
Awesome!
Kathy Barrett
5th Grade Teacher, Buckingham Elementary
Bend, Oregon
We really liked the way you connected the stories to history and shared your thinking process for writing.
Sandra Vizcarra
Librarian, Glendale Landmark Middle School
Glendale, Arizona
I thought it was great! It really turned a lot of my kids on to reading.
Shelley Lengieza
Teacher, Steele Elementary
Denver, Colorado
Thank you for your presentation at Toutle! I was sitting in front of you about 5 rows up and jumped out of my skin on the Oregon Trail story! Thanks for your time with us.
Tanya Lile
Librarian, Toutle Lake Elementary
Toutle, Washington
What a gift you have in writing and in two languages as well. I think you have an awesome talent and my class and I just loved every minute with you.
Ruth Anne McCullough
2nd Grade Teacher, Fern Hill Elementary
Forest Grove, Oregon
I thought he was great. I thoroughly enjoyed the voices and expression he put into his stories when he read them to the kids. My students came back talking about how much they enjoyed the assembly.
Teresa Kinkaid
6th Grade Teacher, Mt. Angel Middle School
Mt. Angel, Oregon
The teachers and students thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. The books are going fast.
Sonya Hervey
Librarian, Gray Elementary
Mesquite, Texas
Everyone enjoyed your performance. Teachers also appreciated that you tied each story to the writing process and the kids were excited about your book.
Rachel Lockhart
Librarian, Cascade Elementary
Renton, Washington
The kids really loved it. They're still sitting around class reading them during silent reading. He does a good job mixing a sense of humor in with something scary.
Megan Sheehan
4th Grade Teacher, Saguaro Elementary
Casa Grande, Arizona
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