Chris Stedile
Rossland News
For the final leg of her Tuesday trip, author Nikki Tate arrived in Rossland’s Summit School to present her award nominated book and engage the students in environmentally conscious discussion.
Nicole Tate-Stratton is her given name, however Nikki Tate is the pen name used for her children’s publications, of which she has several. Additionally, Tate has authored many books ranging from fantasy to biographies to those for reluctant teen readers.
Presented by the Rossland Public Library, Tate presented not only her newest non-fiction book — nominated for a Red Cedar Award — Down to Earth: How Kids Help Feed the World but shared some of her life stories and writing process secrets.
“I think kids find it interesting to learn the process behind where the book comes from; where you get ideas, inspiration and the fact that you can write about anything. You don’t have to make some wild thing up,” Tate said, “Very often kids of that age think they have to come up with something really out there, but I wanted to show them they can look to themselves first.”
This book and the others in its series, take a closer look at food, health, waste management and various environmental concerns.
“They’re rather deep and philosophical books, but aimed at kids in their own unique way.”
Tate believes it’s more important than ever that youth understand the impacts and consequences we as people have on the Earth.
“What I’m finding these days, is kids more than ever, are aware and knowledgeable about some of the very fundamental issues. Good environment, good food and where these things come from. They’re really on the ball and they know what’s happened and still ongoing.”
The author said she feels her generation and earlier really dropped the ball with these issues and younger generations now feel the responsibility and awareness towards what is ahead for them.
After her presentation, Tate was thrilled with the response she received from the young audience.
“They were great. A really nice group. I wish we had more time is my only complaint, I think we would have had some really interesting discussion. I go to some cities or towns and the kids aren’t as tuned in, but these guys were great.”