Author Roland Smith is visiting Chisholm Trail Middle School in Rhome today, and I bet the kids are ecstatic. His latest book, “Tentacles,” which is the follow-up to “Cryptid Hunters,” looks intriguing.

If you’re not familiar with him, he also wrote “Zach’s Lie,” “Jack’s Run,” “Peak” and “Sasquatch,” among others. (I have to say that in the wake of this week’s brush with the chupacabra, “Sasquatch” is of special interest to me.)  He and his wife, Marie, have also worked together on several picture books.

I haven’t read his work, but after browsing through his web site, I can tell his books are high-energy and full of mystery and adventure. Although I know girls like action, too, I bet these books are good tools to engage boys who are possibly not interested in reading. Several student reviews by boys and girls said they couldn’t put the books down.

The past two days Smith has visited Medlin and Gene Pike middle schools, also in the Northwest school district. I’m thinking I’ve got to squeeze in a trip down to Chisholm Trail today. If I can finagle my way in, I’ll post pics and highlights. Wish me luck!