Young Authors Premier Book on Earth Day

about Making the World a Better Place

DENVER, CO (April 2010) – Last April, fourth and fifth grade students of the Cherry Creek School District in Denver, CO were invited to participate in a writing and art competition sponsored by the Colorado Independent Publisher Association’s Young Authors League for a book to be published using the theme, “making the world a better place.” Several hundred students participated, and over the course of the year, almost 50 winning authors and artists were selected to be published in the book titled, Making the World a Better Place: Student Stories about Making a Difference. The premier of this book will be launched on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, at the Southlands Mall Barnes & Noble Store, from 4:00-8:00 PM. Featured young authors and artists will be on hand to autograph books and discuss their individual perspective of making a difference in the world, as well as their experience of being published.

From the recycling efforts of the Fearless Foam Fighters to demonstrating the power of a smile, this is a collection of inspirational stories and art by the students themselves. Proceeds from the sale of this book benefit the CIPA Education and Literacy Foundation, a non-profit 501-C organization dedicated to increasing awareness and excitement for reading and writing in school-age children in Colorado.

Debra Gano, Young Authors League Director and President of the CIPA Education and Literacy Foundation, created the competition last year as a way for students to not only have a opportunity to be published, but also to make children aware that they can play a role in making a difference in the world. “It’s important for kids today to know that every little contribution makes a difference, and that they can each do their part,” states Gano, award-winning author of the Heartlight Girls self-esteem series for girls.“It’s been so fun to see the great ideas these kids have had, and to watch their excitement build throughout the publication process.”

The programs of the Young Authors League (YAL) are just one of the activities of the CIPA Education and Literacy Foundation (ELF). CIPA ELF also recently teamed with several Rotary Clubs in Colorado to donate over $6000 worth of books to local libraries and schools throughout the area.

Copies of Making the World a Better Place: Student Stories about Making a Difference are available for $14.00 at  www.cipabooks.com/YAL, as well as on Amazon and at area Barnes & Noble stores. Additional YAL activities and autographings will be posted at www.DebraGano.com/Young-Authors-League1.

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This past year, YAL organized a Student Short Story Writing Competition titled, “Making the World a Better Place,” in which fourth and fifth grade students of the Cherry Creek School District in the Denver area were invited to submit a short story or artwork expressing this inspiring theme.

It is with great pleasure that we announce the publication of the Young Authors League book, Making the World a Better Place: Student Stories about Making a Difference!

Please be sure to leave a comment below, love to hear from you!!!

Last summer, YAL finalists, parents, and teachers, were brought together for a writing workshop conducted by Debra Gano, author Penny Holguin, and editor Faye Quam Heimerl. The goal of the workshop was to fine-tune the stories and give writing tips to the students prior to submitting their final entries. “The enthusiasm for writing from these students is amazing…and their passion for the theme is so inspiring!” says Gano, author of the award-winning children’s book series, the Heartlight Girls. “You can’t believe some of the great topics!”

CONGRATULATIONS STORY & ART WINNERS!

Buffalo Trail Elementary School

STORY: Elizabeth Berrington

ART: Lindsay Stolting, Sarah Nicholas, Natalie Schauls, Matison Music, Bailey Mattice, Ashley Dale, Maddie Martinez, Bridget Mann, Elizabeth Berrington, Sonoma Olson, Olivia Pare

Canyon Creek Elementary School

STORY: Emily Eads

ART: Jessica Tan

Challenge School

STORY: Stephanie Bang, Calista Bowen, Tessakiree Garber, Jewell Humphrey

ART: Kathleen Sullivan, Kai Smith

Cimarron Elementary School

STORY: Duaa Qamar

Coyote Hills Elementary School

STORY: Makenzie Hendon, Jessica Kantra, Jaime Paterson

Dry Creek Elementary School

STORY: Avery Blackman, Edwin Bosch, Morgan Jenney, Hailey Natvig, Arianne Pusey, Kayla Rondinelli, Emily Webb, Madison Weber

ART: Hailey Natvig, Kira Kirkendell, Kayla Rondinelli

Heritage Elementary School

STORY & ART: Libby Geraghty

Indian Ridge Elementary School

STORY: Sophie Goodwin

ART: Cole Johnson

Peakview Elementary School

STORY: Jane Higa, Lizzie Hoelscher

Sagebrush Elementary School

STORY: Leah Gibson, Josiah Kim, Alyssa King, Samuel Roces

Sunrise Elementary School

STORY: Raeshonique Luarks

ART: Taylor Pinson

Village East Elementary School

STORY: Helen Lee, Tanzilla Purnota, Gavin Woldu

Please leave a comment below,

we would love to hear from you!

"IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS!"

Self-Esteem Empowerment Workshop

Presented by Bestselling Author & Model/Actress

Debra Gano

Learn to overcome your negative self-talk and the need for external approval, and instead move into positive self-love and acceptance to see your true worth!

 Debra Gano comes to Arizona to deliver this empowering and interactive workshop, teaching self-esteem principles "from the inside out." Adults & girls appreciate Debra’s open and amusing style as she discusses unhealthy media, critical peers,  inner beauty, and the importance of connecting to your true essence. You will walk away with a greater sense of self-worth and confidence, feeling more empowered and resilient to withstand life’s challenges.

WHERE: New Vision Center

www.HeartlightGirls.com & www.DebraGano.com

"IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS!"

Self-Esteem Empowerment Workshop

Presented by Bestselling Author & Model/Actress

Debra Gano

Learn to overcome your negative self-talk and the need for external approval, and instead move into positive self-love and acceptance to see your true worth!

 Debra Gano comes to Michigan to deliver this empowering and interactive workshop, teaching self-esteem principles "from the inside out." Adults & girls appreciate Debra’s open and amusing style as she discusses unhealthy media, critical peers,  inner beauty, and the importance of connecting to your true essence. You will walk away with a greater sense of self-worth and confidence, feeling more empowered and resilient to withstand life’s challenges.

WHERE: Unity Church of Practical Christianity

www.HeartlightGirls.com & www.DebraGano.com

July 12-15 

Denver, CO – Time TBA – Mom’s Choice Awards Booth

http://christianretailshow.com/