Youngsters, Writers Mix at Literacy Fair

There was no mistaking the voice of Michael McCarty, who captured the imagination of youths gathered Saturday at Reseda High School.

The animated storyteller could be heard down the hallway, banging on a drum and letting loose a bloodcurdling scream.

Draped in dreadlocks and wearing a shirt that read “Never Judge a Book By Its Movie,” McCarty joined authors and poets at a literacy fair for the Reseda cluster of elementary, middle and high schools.

The event was funded with a $10,000 state grant that enabled school officials to buy books from the authors appearing at the fair. Students were given the books, ranging from prose to fiction, to read before they met the authors Saturday.

“The main goal is to celebrate the job of reading and to show children that it’s not just about words on a page,” said Geri Siener, who coordinates the grant program for the Los Angeles Unified School District. “The stories really come alive when kids can meet the people who created them.”

There was Phil Van Tee, known as the “Tall Teller of Tales,” strumming his banjo built from cookie tins. Author Sara van Dyck displayed a slide show of insects, telling children that an imported ladybug saved the state’s orange crops in 1886. All 29 speakers live in Southern California.

McCarty said he couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday, sharing fictional and personal tales he has accumulated since he was a teen.

“I enjoy connecting with people through storytelling,” said McCarty, who likes to “run my mouth for a living.” Something like a folk tale can give you insight into a culture. I love to tell stories that are informative and can educate.”

McCarty stuck with what he knows best after jumping from job to job. His stories cover a broad range--from African lore to spiritual mysticism. Depending on the age of his audience, he will select an appropriate tale.

“He was really wild,” 12-year-old Miguel Santos said. “He really got into it and made the story come alive. I’m glad I came.”