BARNEGAT – Excitement filled the air as sixth graders in an accelerated English Language Arts class at Robert L. Horbelt Intermediate School gathered for a book signing with Brian Seidel, the Barnegat native behind “Captain Henry and the Planets Guard.”
During his first visit in December, Seidel challenged Christine Cooper’s class to create a new alien character to be featured in the sequel to his book. The students later connected with him virtually in February to refine their ideas, making his recent return for a book signing even more special.
The students, who had been eagerly anticipating Seidel’s return, welcomed him into a classroom that reflected their deep engagement with his work. Brightly colored papers showcased their original alien creations, complete with detailed limericks and AI-generated images. A “Welcome Mr. Seidel” display also included a poignant thank you letter from one of the students.
“This brought tears to my eyes,” said Seidel as he entered the room before the children arrived. “This letter really touched me.”
Brian Seidel told the students about writing stories. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Alexander Padilla, the six-grader who wrote the note said that the author’s first visit had ignited his own passion for writing. “I really loved meeting Mr. Seidel,” Alexander said, “and I think it opened up a whole lot more experience about book writing. Now, after meeting him, it just changed my perspective about writing in general. It helps me release my stress.” Alexander also appreciated Mrs. Cooper’s encouragement in pursuing his writing dreams, specifically writing about his baseball experiences.
Horbelt Principal Joseph Saxton was present at the book signing and eager to share how it all began. Seidel no longer lives in Barnegat but was in touch with one of his childhood classmates, who just happens to be Assistant Principal Jennifer Lane.
“Brian reached out to Jen Lane and told her he’d published a book and wanted to showcase it,” said Saxton. “Jen Lane worked on setting something up with Mrs. Cooper and had the kids in the accelerated ELA class meet with Brian for the first time.”
They took it a step further, Saxton continued. “The kids met with him on the computer and were asking questions. This was a great teacher willing to work with the kids and get them connected out of the classroom into the real world.”
Cooper said she seized this opportunity for a unique character development lesson. Students crafted detailed limericks describing their alien creations and then used AI to bring their visions to life with vivid images. This creative exercise sparked a flurry of imaginative ideas, with students eagerly sharing their creations and asking Seidel insightful questions during their Google Meet session.
The long-awaited return visit was a whirlwind of activity. Seidel signed copies of his book, and answered a barrage of questions from his eager fans. He spoke about his inspiration for “Captain Henry,” a story rooted in his own childhood experiences in Barnegat, and the importance of believing in oneself.
“This whole process really has been super special to me,” Seidel told the students, “And has helped me so much on my author journey and also given me so much confidence into my second book.”
The excitement doesn’t end here. Seidel revealed that the sequel to “Captain Henry” is slated for release in November or December. The students, eager to see if any of their alien creations will come to life in the second book, are already counting down the days. By then, they’ll have moved on to the Brackman Middle School and have asked Cooper to remember them for the author’s next return visit.
The school’s collaborative efforts extend beyond the classroom. A student-created book display celebrating Seidel’s visit will be featured at the Ocean County Library.
Brian Seidel signs a copy of Captain Henry and the Planets Guard for Alexander Padilla who wrote him an extra-special note. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Cooper also experienced a taste of the power of social media. When she shared news of Seidel’s book and his upcoming visit, it sparked an unexpected wave of community engagement. Cooper said it was as if there was an “explosion of excitement” with more than 75 books purchased and donated.
Brian Seidel And The Planets Guard
Brian Seidel’s path to becoming a children’s author is as captivating as the stories he tells. A Barnegat native who now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, Seidel spent over two decades in the fast-paced world of television production, working behind the scenes on popular shows for networks like HGTV, Magnolia, and Animal Planet. He honed his storytelling skills, crafting narratives for reality TV, but always harbored a desire to create his own worlds.
Brian Seidel told the students about writing stories. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
That desire culminated in “Captain Henry and the Planets Guard,” a five-star rated book available on Amazon. The story centers on twelve-year-old Henry, a relatable middle schooler struggling to fit in. His life takes a dramatic turn when he and his friends witness a spaceship crash in the woods. Struck by a mysterious energy wave, they gain powerful cosmic abilities known as the Tama-Gah. Under the guidance of an alien named Moshe-Rank, they must learn to control their newfound powers and face the evil Madola, who threatens to destroy the Tama-Gah and Earth.
Seidel’s personal connection to Barnegat shines through in “Captain Henry.” The story is infused with the landscapes and experiences of his own childhood, making it resonate deeply with young readers in his hometown. The book’s message of self-belief and the importance of teamwork has struck a chord with students, inspiring them to embrace their own unique abilities.
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