In western Sonoma County, public schools are big institutions. And two high schools, El Molino and Analy, are the glue that binds together many of the small communities in that land of rolling farmlands, towering redwoods and the meandering Russian River.

As a newspaper reporter, I’ve had the chance to observe a few of each school’s special moments. At Analy, that included reporting on hometown fever for the 2009 basketball playoffs and preparations for the school’s 100th anniversary in 2008. For El Molino, I’ve had the chance to cover a school graduation, watch a harvest at the school’s own vineyard and write about the efforts of parents and boosters who raised the money needed to build the school’s all-weather track.

On Saturday, I’ll be working with the schools’ supporters in a new way. The El Molino and Analy high school foundations have helped spread the word among their members about my new fantasy novel, “Horse Stalker.” On Saturday I’ll be signing books from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Sebastopol Copperfield’s Books, 138 N. Main St., and the two schools will share $1 from every copy sold.

I’m grateful for the support of both schools’ foundations and the chance to work with them to benefit local students.

— Robert Digitale

To learn more about “Horse Stalker,” click here.

To read sample chapters from the book, click here.