Meeting the author of a book can sometimes create a personal connection to a story for readers.

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And that is just what third- through fifth-graders at Mitchell Elementary School got to experience on April 17, when Houstonian and author Noah Rattler visited their campus. Rattler spoke with students regarding his book, “Noah’s Walk,” which is about his 1,800-mile journey to raise awareness about homelessness.

In 2007, Rattler walked from Houston to Los Angeles, California, in four and a half months as an experiment in community cooperation and to shine a light on the complexity and diversity of homelessness.

Rattler wrote the book to chronicle his journey, as well as its challenges and rewards. “Noah’s Walk” serves as an excellent tool for teaching civic responsibility, social and cultural awareness, and geography.

Rattler also talked about the importance of setting goals and the rewards of reading.