Woodbridge High School students had a unique opportunity to connect literature, history, and culture when two authors participating in the History Book Festival in Lewes visited WHS on Friday, September 25.

Bo Wang, author of The Chinese Lady: A Novel, and Cheryl Thompson, author of Forgotten Souls, presented their work to several classes in the WHS library. Mr. Harry Brake organized the event, and National Honor Society member Gabrielle Lofland interviewed the authors, asking thoughtful, insightful questions.

Wang’s presentation explored much more than students initially expected. Through her research, she discussed Chinese culture, language, identity, immigration, stereotypes, representation, and P.T. Barnum’s exploitation of aspects of Chinese culture. Students also reflected on the role of artificial intelligence in research and how authentic scholarship and personal perspective can bring history to life in ways technology alone cannot.

Thompson created an equally meaningful experience by inviting students into her story. She asked what they knew, whom they knew, and how they came to understand history. Students from many different cultural backgrounds found connections between Thompson’s personal experiences and their own.

One reflection described Thompson’s presentation as an opportunity to “hear and FEEL history,” demonstrating how personal stories can create a powerful connection to the past.

The visits gave students a memorable opportunity to see history not simply as information in a book, but as stories shaped by research, culture, identity, and lived experience.