Stories can take us to amazing places, introduce us to fascinating characters and reveal important truths about humanity. Lucy Fujiwara discovered a passion for reading as a young student herself and loves sharing the joy of reading with her students as a teacher.

Lucy grew up in the state of Washington, where she developed a love for the outdoors. As an undergraduate, she studied English and classical Christian education at Grove City College in Pennsylvania and then taught 1st, 4th and 5th grades at a classical charter school in Phoenix, Arizona. She now lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, golden retriever and new baby girl, where she enjoys taking walks with her dog, sipping a good cup of coffee and curling up with a good book on a rainy day.

Lucy will be teaching Don’t Miss These Books 3 and encouraging her students to love great books and stories, establishing an essential foundation for future courses in the language arts (Don’t Miss These Books 4Language Arts 1–4 and The Great Conversation). In this class, third-grade students enjoy opportunities to explore ideas and use their imagination. During class discussions, Lucy will guide her students through the world of each book, seeking truth, beauty and goodness as they view each story in the context of God’s Word. 2024-25 books include Charlotte’s Web, Misty of Chincoteague, Farmer Boy and more.

We visited with Lucy to ask her a few questions before the start of the school year.

WHA: What’s your favorite part of teaching?

Lucy: My favorite thing about teaching is the students—specifically, getting to share my love of reading and books with them and seeing the joy and excitement in their eyes as they enjoy the wonders of a good story. 

WHA: Where can we find you when you’re not in the classroom?

Lucy: I love to be outside—preferably near water. The ocean is my favorite, but I’ll take a lake or river as well. I like going to new coffee shops and bookshops. I love to read, bake cookies, and go on walks with my husband, daughter and dog. I also love to travel and would rather take a long road trip than fly! 

WHA: What’s your favorite food?

Lucy: My favorite food is grilled cheese and tomato soup — especially on a rainy day. I also love chips and guac!

WHA: What’s your favorite book from third grade?

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.

WHA: Which character would you be in Charlotte’s Web and why?

Lucy: I would definitely be Charlotte! I strive to be full of grace and wisdom like she is and want to be a loyal friend like her as well. She is such a virtuous character.

Lucy can’t wait to welcome her students to Don’t Miss These Books 3!

If you want to give your children an education that delights in learning and is rooted in the truth of Scripture, there’s still space available for the 2024-24 school year. Whether you enroll in à la carte classes or register for a full course load, you can save your children’s spots today.