Skip To Main Content

Whatcom READS author Javier Zamora visits Bellingham High

Javier Zamora speaks tot he audience on stage alongside WWU professor Claudia Johnson
Javier Zamora poses for a photo with the two student emcees
Javier Zamora speaks to the audience on stage alongside WWU professor Claudia Johnson with Solito banner in background
The Solito book sits on a table at the event
WWU professor Claudia Johnson looks on as Javier Zamora answers a question
A view from the audience to the stage with Javier Zamora and Claudia Johnson sit in chairs on stage
A view from the right side of the audience as Javier Zamora and Claudia Johnson sit on stage with banner and projection screen in background
Students and staff pose for a photo with Javier Zamora after the event
Students and staff pose for a photo with Javier Zamora after the event
Javier Zamora answers a question as Claudia Johnson and student emcees sit and listen on stage
Javier Zamora answers a question and look out to the audience as Claudia Johnson looks on while seated on stage
  • A One Schoolhouse Approach
  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Historians and global thinkers
  • Multilingual readers and speakers
  • Readers and writers
Whatcom READS author Javier Zamora visits Bellingham High

Photo album

“Solito” author Javier Zamora recently spoke with students at Bellingham High School as part of the Whatcom READS annual author visit.  

Zamora, who was born in El Salvador, talked candidly about his traumatic experience of crossing the Mexico/U.S. border in 1999, detailed in his memoir, which many students read as part of lessons in English Language Arts, Spanish and/or Latinos in Action classes in our high schools.  

All principals and district administrators in Bellingham Public Schools read “Solito” last summer as part of Whatcom READS, which is a county-wide program that encourages everyone to read and discuss the same book.

Growing up in the 1990s, Zamora had a certain vision of what living in the U.S. would be like based on shows like 90210, Baywatch and Full House. But he says American life portrayed in those shows was not his reality once he reached his parents’ home in California and that his early years as an immigrant were challenging. 

He shared his ability to find love and joy and eventually reflect and write about his nine-week journey of crossing the border unaccompanied came much later through years of therapy. 

Zamora said soccer and music offered solace and belonging through challenging times. He shared his feelings of ICE (not a fan), Puerto Rican musician Bad Bunny (big fan) and the power of protest and voting.  

Western Washington University professor Claudia Johnson interviewed Zamora on stage with over 600 students in attendance from Bellingham, Sehome, Options, Squalicum and Blaine high schools. Students and parents from the Bellingham Family Partnership also attended the event.  

Two Bellingham High students had an opportunity to ask Zamora questions that were submitted by BPS students ranging from his advice for teenagers, his preference between chilaquiles or enchiladas, and if he’s writing another book. Answers: do what you love, enchiladas (even though they are not Salvadorian!), and yes. 

Bellingham High Principal Ben Goodwin said this event was a great opportunity for students. “It was a huge hit! What a treat to hear Javier’s story and for our students to be so engaged,” he said. “Bellingham High would be happy to cohost with Whatcom READS in the future.”  

Whatcom READS hosted Zamora at several events around Bellingham in March 2026.  

  • Bellingham High School
  • Home Gallery
  • Options High School
  • Sehome High School
  • Squalicum High School
  • Students in Action