At the beginning of November, our local Bayou Teche Museum hosted Allan Wolf who wrote two books based on a disaster that happened on Jefferson Island in 1980. I posted about his presentation and books here.
Allan had school visits planned for New Orleans and Lafayette, so he worked into his schedule another day. He wanted to further interview people concerning the disaster. He stayed with us on Friday night.
Early Saturday morning I woke up to a text from Allan that he was staying through lunch to be able to meet once again with Mike Richard, the owner of Rip Van Winkle Gardens at Jefferson Island. I joined him on this venture.
When we walked into the gift shop, we were struck by a display of Allan’s graphic novel. While there a woman walked up and bought the book, an impromptu signing.
Mike led us out to view the lake and then into the bustling restaurant. We had gumbo and enjoyed hearing Mike’s stories about the geography of the lake and salt mine that is still bubbling in places due to trapped gases.
It was fun to be a bystander listening to Allan and Mike talk and talk. I am fascinated by their fascination. Even though the books are published, Allan can’t stop digging into the story.
On the 45th anniversary of the mine disaster, Myrna Romero was interviewed by a local TV station, KATC. Here is that quick interview.
Reflections on the Teche 
John Schu just did a Bookilicious talk on his favorite 2025-26 books, and 2 of Alan Wolf’s books were on his list. I love how you describe Alan’s curiosity. Isn’t that what writing is all about?!
What a great day!
I loved the line “Even though the books are published, Allan can’t stop digging into the story.” I might have to borrow that one to use with students. It’s a great testimony to the power and importance of curiosity.
Margaret, I love getting to hear another installment in your visits with Allan Wolf.
These sentences especially captured my curiosity:
Thanks for sharing.
Lucky you!
Allan Wolf (“just like the animal” was an opening gambit he used to introduce himself with our students) is one of the BEST guys out there. He made poetry come alive for our students, no matter what grade level he visited. I still have a few Allan stories from meeting him in person at NCTE the year he’d won accolades for The Watch That Ends the Night, one of the best novels-in-verse EVER! You have made me want to write more about him. I am so glad you got to spend time with him. Curiosity is Allan’s Super Power!
Oh, I can’t wait to be able to listen to the interview and to read more about the book he is writing. I think it’s fabulous that you have a local museum that is helping preserve living history. You have a fun and interesting slice today!
I haven’tread any of Wolf’s books yet, but I will check them out!
Thanks for including the link to the Jefferson Island Mine Disaster. I was unfamiliar with it due to both geographic location and being a toddler when it happened. I appreciated the additional background!