I have received more than 900 letters from students around the world concerning my books, presentations and workshops. These are a few examples of what educators, students and librarians have to say:

"As a person who grew up and lived in Africa for thirty years, and who has a deep love for the nature, beauty and sounds of Africa, I was greatly moved by Cristina Kessler’s novel Our Secret, Siri Aang. From the first chapter it was clear to me that Ms. Kessler had spent a great deal of time in Africa. She managed to capture the feel and sounds of the bush, the heat and the dust, the dangers and the beauty, as well as the culture and challenges of tradition vs. ‘progress’ in the pages of her beautifully written novel.

Ms. Kessler’s presentation on her novels was equally outstanding. She captured the attention and imagination of all our students with her wonderful pictures and personal stories. She brought the many faces of Africa to the fore and engaged the students with her tales and pictures that spanned from Swaziland in the south, to multiple countries and cultures in the north. I thank her for her work and for speaking up for the rich cultures and people of Africa."

François N.
Language Arts Teacher
Ravenscroft School

"Although Ms. Kessler's books are targeted for children, her stories are applicable to any age group. Her readings are animated with personal stories and experiences of her many years in Africa. She is a delight to hear."

Veronika J., Ed.D.
Curator of Education and Intern Coordinator
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of African Art

“Abdul has bloomed since we read One Night. He taught the class how to say the Arabic words. He’s come out of his shell because classmates are interested in him and his background for the first time. Thanks so much for the visit.”

Ms. J.
Grade 4
Boston, MA

“Thanks so much for your participation in the Community School District 27 television program entitled “Meet the Author”. Thanks to your efforts the recording session was a great success and the program will be the highlight of our television broadcast season. It was a pleasure for all our students to share this experience with you as they gained so much from meeting you and participating in this special event.”

Lydia G.
Director of Media and Telecommunications
Queens, NY

“We have seen many different authors over the years, but Cristina’s visit was special. Students and teachers alike found her informative compelling style, along with her incredible life’s journey especially intriguing. One teacher commented over a year later, “The best author to ever visit was Cristina Kessler. She had an enlightening and stimulating presentation that everyone could understand. She also explained, in order to write a book, it will not be perfect on the first draft, or even the second. What a valuable lesson to teach students!”

Ms. Gaylen H.
Home and School Club President
Nordstrom School
Morgan Hill, CA

“Having known Cristina for ten years I can attest to the fact that she is the most caring, enthusiastic, interesting and knowledgeable authoress. Her stories and photographs keep the children and adults enthralled. We look forward to her books and too infrequent visits.”

Ms. Libby H.
Youth Services Department Head
Lynbrook Public Library
Lynbrook, NY

“I am very proud of you that you made a book about Arab people. I love your books and stories.”

Asma
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“I really loved you. You were an inspiration!”

Jennika
Zurich, Switzerland

“I loved having lunch with you. You’d better watch out because now I am going to be an author – as good as you!”

Eboni,
Age 10
Angola, Indiana