Authors VISITS!

Authors James S. Murray and Carson Smith

Brought the Excitement to WMS!

By Maree Drayling

Recently, authors James S. Murray or Murr from Impractical Jokers and Carson Smith, a former college Jeopardy contestant visited WMS to discuss their new book. Together, they co-wrote a new middle-grade series called Area 51 Interns: Alien Summer. This story is about four kids that become interns at one of the most mysterious places on Earth: Area 51!

Summer vacation just began and Viv Harlow wants to spend some quality time at the beach with her friend group, but on the last day of school. it happens to be bring-your-kid-to-work day. Viv and her friends Charlotte, Elijah, and Ray head to Area 51 and everything goes haywire! The adults get kidnapped and the gang has to save a baby alien along the way. They work together to save the day as the last party before they head into different high schools.

The book was originally created in 2019, but due to covid restrictions. the co-authors had to work remotely from New York and New Jersey. Student Yvette Borohov, an 8th grader, thinks that “It looks really interesting, and I definitely want to give it a read.” In addition, Olivia Tetsoti, an 8th grader, says “The visit was very exciting and definitely different from the previous author visits.” Although Murr’s friends on the show did not contribute to the book, it has multiple Easter eggs from the show. Along with that, there is one misspelled word in the book and that is an Easter egg itself.

Each grade attended their presentation, which was held in the gym. They talked about the writing process, their plans for a book series, and their personal successes. Students and teachers alike were excited to catch Murr's presentation. It certainly did not disappoint.