*Kate Lumsden and Nate Pieplow

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and on October 22, 2026, our Elementary, 6th grade, Middle School, and a few High School students were able to spend time with authors Kate Lumsden and Nate Pieplow as they talked about their writing journey and shared a bit about their book Confessions of a Mango. 

Nate and Kate both showed examples of their stories when they were younger. Nate wrote about dinosaurs and birds, while Kate dictated to her mom and created stories in that way. Kate told students that she was diagnosed with dyslexia and that she still struggles with spelling. That's why she loves to work on the first draft of a project and then Nate steps in to work on edits. When Kate's kids were struggling in school, too, she tried to share the message that failing or working harder isn't necessarily bad. After she connected with Nate as a writing partner, this message became something they chose to highlight in their book Confessions of a Mango, which tells the story of Ruby, a 6th-grader diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, as she learns to navigate a new school.

Nate and Kate reminded students that they don't have to write a book to be an author--they encouraged them to start with a shorter work and enjoy the process! Their presentation was filled with discussion of favorite books, favorite words, and neurodivergent-positive messages. Thanks to Nate, Kate, and The Composition Shop Bookstore in Longmont for making this author visit possible!