Author Visits Inspire Young Readers at ISG Dammam

On April 21, ISG Dammam had the honor of hosting not one, but two incredible authors, giving our students a day filled with inspiration, imagination, and the joy of storytelling.

Ali Sparkes, award-winning author of The Shapeshifter series and Frozen in Time, captivated students in grades 2 to 4 with her engaging presentation. With her dynamic storytelling and energetic personality, Ali shared her extraordinary journey—from dreaming of a life on stage, to working backstage in West End theatres, to becoming a journalist and eventually finding her true calling as a children's author. Her storytelling was filled with humor, honesty and heart, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and what it really takes to turn ideas into bestselling books. Students were thrilled to ask questions, hear sneak peeks from her stories, and learn about the moments that inspired her writing.

For students in grades 5 to 7, author Siobhan McDermott shared her unique cultural background and the inspiration behind her debut novel, Paper Dragons. Born in Hong Kong and raised on a rich blend of Chinese legends and Irish folklore, Siobhan spoke about the power of heritage and personal experiences in shaping stories. She drew from vivid memories of ferry rides across Lantau Island, travels through Asia and Europe, and the magic of blending tradition with imagination. Her session encouraged students to see the stories in their own lives and gave them the confidence to tell them.

This author visit was not  just about books—it was about dreams, creativity and the belief that every student has a story worth telling. It reminded them that their voices matter, and their stories can travel the world.