An Arkansas librarian surprised a student Tuesday with a book delivered personally from her favorite author, school officials said.
Quitman High School librarian Michelle Eichelberger wanted to do something special for Madison Miller when the junior asked her to order the book, J.K. Puck, The School That Doesn't Suck, written by her favorite author, Sue Clifton, according to a post on the school's Facebook page.
"Maddie is an avid reader and stops by the library quite a bit to see what new books are available," Eichelberger said in an interview Wednesday. "At first I didn’t want to order a book with the word 'suck' in the title, but then I realized it was about vampires, so it was a cute little play on words."
Eichelberger emailed Clifton and asked if the novelist could write a note for Miller in the book. But Clifton, who worked as an educator for 30 years, was so pleased that Miller enjoyed her book that she made the four-hour trip from Mississippi to deliver it in person. They then took a tour of the campus and spent hours talking about books, the librarian said.
A video of their meeting posted on Facebook shows the trio sharing a hug, with Miller saying, "I'm so glad we could do this. You don't even understand how happy I am."
Clifton, who had previously met Miller when she attended another school, then gave her another surprise. In the book's sequel, the Arkansan will get to help determine the fate of a character who shares her name.
"I’m so happy for Maddie and that she has this really special memory," Eichelberger said. "It all started with an email. I’m so appreciative of Dr. Clifton and that she believes in making a difference in the lives of students."