Mrs. Borota was "blown away by the connections made and how deep many of their letters were" and reached out to his publishing company to ensure he would receive the letters. Students took the project a step further and went around the school filming a video, inviting him so he could put faces to the letters. Reynolds saw the video on the TCHS Tornado Watch Instagram page and responded, saying he wanted to take them up on their offer to visit.
Though unable to speak at graduation, Reynolds was invited to the TCHS auditorium for a sit-down conversation with students on Feb. 1 as a part of Black History Month. TCHS seniors Jordy Paez and Dawinie Registre and Mrs. Borota had a deep conversation with the author, discussing his upbringing, which resonated with students—also, asking questions about his many books.