Young authors were joined with illustrator, E.B. Lewis and author Jewell Parker Rhodes, Friday, for a light dinner at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
Students wrote 567 books for this year’s Young Authors event and the 135 winning stories were displayed at Friday’s dinner.
“The Bumpy Ride” is a book written by Brystal Hudlin, Humboldt Elementary School, about a dog gone wild while on a walk. Although Hudlin has a dog in real life, the book is fiction, she said. Her favorite part of the week-long young authors event was meeting both Lewis and Rhodes. She wants to be an author when she grows up and intends to write a book about time travel.
MARMATON Valley’s third grader, Sophia Heim, wrote the book “Sebastian.”
“It is about a singing cat who knows a little bit of poetry,”she said.
Heim has her sights on growing up to be a lawyer, but predicted that she will continue to write poetry for fun.
CARLIE Weilert,Humboldt, wrote “The Bully.” It is a theme, she said, that “popped up” in her mind the moment her teacher mentioned writing a book. Weilert has not ruled out being an author when she grows up, but is also considering working as an artist. If she writes another book, it will be about her mom having her baby sister, she said. Her favorite part of the week-long celebration was coloring.
JESSE Taylor, Iola Middle School student and author of “The Little Sailor,” wrote about a boy stranded on a deserted island. The boy has to find his way back to his family amidst a terrible storm. Taylor said he enjoys writing, but his story includes a hint of where his heart really lies. He wants to grow up to be a meteorologist. If Taylor writes another book it will be about weather, he said.
LEWIS addressed the students and their families on the importance of empowerment and eliminating racism. Children empower themselves, Lewis said, but it is important for adults to give them the tools to do that. He had an amazing time visiting Allen County students at their schools, he said. Lewis credited childhood participation in school programs like Allen County Young Authors as helping him to attain success.
JEWELL, who travels globally teaching creative writing to students, also spoke.
“This whole experience has touched my heart so greatly,” Rhodes said. “ You have inspired these kids to do something that is ancient…telling stories.”
Empowering children of all races to be who they are is the greatest civil right, she said.
Both Rhodes and Lewis were available for book signings after the event.
