"Thank you so much for visiting our school. You are an amazing speaker and you really engaged the students. I have just finished reading Morbid Curiosity. Wow!! My son (who is 13) is reading A House Divided and plans to take your readers challenge. He loves the book. I will also check with Ms. Morey to see if she has any additional pictures (she did take a couple). Thanks again for visiting our school."
— Devon W., Principal, Westport Middle School, Louisville, Ky

"The workshop was very enlightening to my students. It not only motivated them to read, but excited them about the challenge. I was thrilled by the way you were able to relate to the students, get on their level and share with them the boundless opportunities that await them if they only try."
— Tisha P., English Department
Waddell High School, Charlotte, NC

"The kids still talk about your visit. They were so impressed and you made such a positive impact on them! Thank you."
— Stephanie R., English Department, West Seattle High School, Seattle, WA

"By listening to your speech and stories it has made me think twice about my life and what I should do with it. I have come to realize what reading can do for you. I believe that reading can take you to many places and many adventures if you take the time to open one up. You have motivated me to participate in the literacy challenge and try my best at what ever I pursue."
— Martin V., Student

"I read both of the books for the Challenge and loved them both!When you came to Church Point and talked about your life, I was captivated. I am a person who loves to take a challenge and I am going to take yours. Thank you for the opportunity to do this!"
— Amanda D., Student, Church Point High School, Church Point, LA

"On behalf of Dr. Parker and Kashmere High School, I just want to thank you all for the presentation yesterday. Ms. LeBlanc was entertaining, enlightening, and inspirational. It brought me great joy to see students reading their books this morning. As the literacy coach at an inner-city high school, I live the struggle of teaching students the power of literacy. It takes programs like Ms. LeBlanc's, which unite technology and the written word, to spark the interests of this century's youth. Keep up the good work. Thanks once again for spending your time with Kashmere High School. We appreciate your mission and your hard work."
— Tameika A., Literacy Coach and Campus Lead Mentor, Kashmere High School, Houston, TX

"As soon as I heard about this challenge, I went out and bought "Family Inheritance" to read it, so I could win money. When I started the book, I was reading for money but something about Deborah's writing caught my attention. I became entranced in the book. It only took me 3 days to read it. Maybe after reading these books, students will want to read instead of being forced to read."
— Danielle B., Student, Hunterdon Central Regional High School, Flemington, NJ

"Wow. Thank you for giving us a part of yourself. You touched many young hearts today just being your authentic self.  I feel grateful to you for sharing and giving back to people in such a big way."
— Tammy, English Teacher

"I can't thank you enough for doing such an oustanding job with your presentation at JFK. They exceeded our wildest expections. the students are very enthusiastic about the Literacy Challenge."
— Linda B., English Teacher

"I just want to thank yo again for all you've done and for making me realize that if I don't take charge of my life, I will never accomplish what I want in life."
— Edgar M., Student

"I thank you for your motivational speech. You showed or actually told me that no matter how bad your past or present may have been, you can always overcome it and be the best that you can be."
— Courtney R., Student

"Your speach was amazing! Sitting there and listening to your story touched me in many ways. Your story inspried me to push myself harder in life. "
— Chase M., Student

"Thanks for the speech & the reminder that anything is possible as long as you keep your head up & reach for the stars."
— Christopher D., Student

"Normally I don't like to read to be honest but I love the way you describet hings to capture the reader's attention to get into the story. That's why I enjoy your books so much. As soon as I'm done reading your book, Family Inheritance, I'm going to do your Literacy Challenge."
— Angelica T., Student

"Thank you so much for coming to our school. You are truly an inspriation to me! You made me realize I can do anything with my life."
— Jennifer C., Student

"Your speech was truly inspiring and captivating. I took to heart about what you said on reading. That weekend I spent most of it reading your book and it was phenomenal. When you said to take charge of our lives it gave me the courage of a lion."
— James S., Student

"After listening to your story, I really felt compelled to start putting forth more effort into my school work…  Since that day I have started reading more and have almost finished your book “Morbid Curiosity” and hope to make that money so I can get helped getting into the college I want.  I hope to see you again in the future when I am working hard to get the education I deserve."
— Chase M., student

"…I noticed that writing books was your dream and you know what else I noticed – you had kept your dream alive.  So if you can do it I know I can do it.  Some people might hold me down and tell me I can’t be whatever I want to be but if I never give up I can succeed just like you."
— Jamika D., student

"The very day you told your speech I realized the truth of my life.  You inspired me to be all I can be and keep my skills in drawing up.  I plan to get a good education and maybe squeeze in some art school too.  When I die, I want to know that I accomplished something, and made a difference in someone’s life, just like you.  Thank you so much for your time, speech, and books."
— Shane W., student

"Thank you Mrs. LeBlanc for the two books that you gave me.  Also, thank you for the story that you gave me.  It really inspired me to do my best in school.  I thought that when people said that when you work hard it will pay off was a lie, but your story…proved that it is true."
— Bryan B., student

"Just listening to you gives me more hope that I can do anything and succeed in life.  You’re such an inspiration to me and I hope you accomplish more in life."
— Kourtney W., student

"I want to thank you for coming to McKinley, the two books, and the visit.  Not too many people would take time out and do that.  Now I see someone cares and I’m going to continue reading books and go to college."
— Diera D., student