Ranging from realistic fiction to fantasy, stories written and illustrated for Park Ridge-Niles School District 64’s Young Authors contest captivated readers with their imagination, attention to detail, intriguing characters and heart-warming tales. Designed to provide opportunities for growing writers to have an outlet for their work, the Young Authors contest is an independent, voluntary extracurricular activity.
“The Young Authors experience allows students to stretch their imaginations and creativity while sharpening their language skills by extending the writing opportunities students are given in their writing and content area classes,” according to Meghan Keefer, District 64 curriculum specialist for English Language Arts.
“The contest gives them an authentic purpose for exploring a story idea and sharing it beyond the walls of their classrooms. I wouldn't be surprised if we see some of these young authors with published work in the future!” she added.
Each building selected one winner per grade level. The District reviewed the winning submissions to select one outstanding manuscript in each grade to receive the top award. More than 100 manuscripts were submitted by students this year. Students could write independently or collaborate with a partner.
The 2015 grade-level winners include:
- Kindergarten: Mary Lynch, Roosevelt - The Igloo Crystal
- 1st Grade: Henry Morriss, Franklin - Meat Market Mystery
- 2nd Grade: Noah Felipe Muñoz-Lo, Field - Super Bunny Saves the Day
- 3rd Grade: Devyn Hoffman, Washington - Puppy in the Fireplace
- 4th Grade: Sara Plaza (author) and & Isabella Godinez (illustrator), Carpenter - The Bookkeeper
- 5th Grade: Nathan Fernando Muñoz-Lo, Field - Scratch and Mittens Find a New Home
- 6th Grade: Tara Murphy, Emerson - What Just Happened?
- 7th Grade: Sofia Lind, Emerson - Finding My Bravery
- 8th Grade: Amna Sorbun, Emerson - Under and Out
District 64 will officially recognize its 2015 Young Authors winners at the May 18 Board of Education meeting. In addition, District 64 advanced the timeframe of its contest this year so that winners could consider voluntarily attending the 41st annual Illinois Statewide Young Authors’ Conference on May 16 in Bloomington-Normal, IL.