WESTWOOD—Students at Brookside and Berkeley elementary schools embarked on a storytelling adventure during the recent Read Across America Week, welcoming comic book and children’s book author MacKenzie Cadenhead for an interactive, behind-the-scenes look at writing and publishing.
Cadenhead, who has worked with Marvel Comics, Disney, and multiple children’s publishers, led engaging presentations where students explored the journey of a story from pitch to publication—learning how ideas transform into books and comics.
“It was just so much fun,” Cadenhead told Pascack Press March 11. “The students were full of questions, bursting with ideas, and eager to jump into the storytelling process. I could have stayed all day just listening to their amazing creativity.”
Her visit was coordinated by media center specialist Casha Eliason and made possible by the Brookside PTO and Berkeley PSO, continuing a longstanding tradition of hosting notable authors for Read Across America.
The visit was part of grand festivities throughout the younger grades, and included participation by Westwood superheroes from the police department, governing body, library, ambulance corps, and school administration.
At district schools in the Township of Washington, New York Jets player Tony Adams read to fifth grade students and answered questions about his life and career. (He also took the time to visit students at recess to throw a football and sign autographs.) The Bergen County Sheriff’s Department visited Washington School, reading to tots; K9 police dog Jet toured the school, making friends.
Eliason praised Cadenhead’s ability to captivate students across all age levels: “With the younger kids, there’s a certain window where they sit and listen, and then they need more engagement. MacKenzie knew exactly how to shift gears and get them involved.”
Cadenhead, born and raised in New York City, has a BA in English from Haverford College and an MFA in dramaturgy from Brooklyn College. The former Marvel Comics editor has authored Marvel Super Hero Adventures, Dogpool, Doom Academy, and Marvel Mutts, among others. Her visit fit seamlessly with the schools’ superhero-themed week, which celebrated a variety of children’s authors beyond the event’s traditional focus on Dr. Seuss.
Bringing Stories to Life: A Peek Inside the Creative Process
During her interactive sessions, Cadenhead didn’t just talk about writing—she invited students to step into the role of creators.
For younger students (K-2), she introduced Spider-Man and Squirrel Girl, guiding them through the art of visual storytelling.
“I asked the kids to be my art directors and tell me what images they’d like to see alongside the words,” Cadenhead explained. “Some of their ideas were so spot-on that they mirrored what our actual art director did. Others took things in brand-new, unexpected directions!”
For older students (grades 3–5), she broke down the stages of book production—from concept to text development, early sketches, editing, and final artwork.
“One of the coolest moments was when the students dipped their toes into visual storytelling without realizing it,” she said. “They were all over dramatic irony—suggesting pictures where the reader would know something the characters didn’t. That’s next-level thinking.”
Fifth-graders were given a special treat—a lunch discussion with the author, where they asked questions about writing, comics, and the creative process.
“Their curiosity was incredible,” Cadenhead recalled. “We talked about everything from world-building to character development. It was a great reminder of why I love writing for this age group—kids at this stage have such big, imaginative brains!”
For the uninitiated, Squirrel Girl, aka Doreen Green, is one of Marvel’s most delightfully unconventional superheroes. First appearing in 1991, she was created by writer Will Murray and legendary artist Steve Ditko as a lighthearted contrast to the darker, more serious stories of the time. Equipped with squirrel powers—enhanced agility, retractable claws, and the unique ability to communicate with squirrels—she has taken down some of Marvel’s most notorious villains—including Doctor Doom and Thanos.
Spider-Man’s costume is one of the most universally recognizable and relatable designs in comic book history. Unlike heroes whose faces are visible, Peter Parker’s (and other Spidey variants’—don’t get us started) full-body suit allows anyone, anywhere, to imagine themselves behind the mask. As Stan Lee once put it, “Anybody reading Spider-Man in any part of the world can imagine that they themselves are under the costume. And that’s a good thing.” The red and blue suit, first designed by Steve Ditko, captures both the mystery and accessibility of the character. That relatability, combined with Spider-Man’s very human struggles—balancing school, family, and heroism—has made him a favorite across generations.
A Week of Storytelling
Cadenhead was one of many special guests during Read Across America Week, a nationwide celebration of literacy that has evolved beyond Dr. Seuss to highlight a broader range of children’s authors.
- Westwood police officers read books such as Don’t Bring a Dinosaur to Recess, sparking laughter and lively discussions. Chief Michael Pontillo said officers were grateful for “the amazing opportunity to participate.”
- Borough officials, including council president Rob Biccochi, and councilwomen Beth Dell, Cheryl Hodges, and Lauren Letizia, visited classrooms to share favorite books with students.
- EMTs and school administrators also participated, demonstrating that reading is a lifelong skill embraced by all professions.
“I always tell the kids—the more you read, the smarter you get,” Eliason said. “Being a lifelong learner starts with a love of books, and events like these remind students just how fun reading can be.”
A First Visit to Westwood
Although Cadenhead has visited schools and libraries for over a decade, this was her first time presenting in New Jersey. “I had the best experience at both schools,” she told us. “The kids were engaged, the staff was welcoming, and I was so impressed by how deeply the students thought about storytelling.”
She gave a special shout-out to Ms. Eliason, the PTOs, and principals Kelly Hughes (Brookside) and Fiorello (Berkeley) for making the visit possible.
“And can I just say—the lunches were delicious! Huge thanks to Salad House for keeping me fueled up for all these amazing conversations!” she added with a laugh.
Before wrapping up her visit, Cadenhead autographed books and encouraged students to keep writing, drawing, and exploring their imaginations. “So many kids dream of writing books or comics,” she said. “My best advice? Write all the time. Don’t aim for perfection—aim for progress. And don’t be afraid of feedback; it will only make you better.”
For much more about MacKenzie Cadenhead and her YA and middle grade books, chapter books, school bookings, and extras, visit mackenziecadenhead.com.