September 18, 2003

Contact:
Jennifer Meriam, Director
(954) 262-5355
Mike Laderman, Associate Director
(954) 262-5354
Mara Kiffin, Coordinator
(954) 262-5350
Myra Gross, Library Communications,
(954) 915-9399

NSU Library, Research, And Information Technology Center Features Young Authors ‘Published’ Work

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL- How do children view their world? You can see their unique perspective in a collection of new “books” written by 13 young authors, ages eight – 17 at the Nova Southeastern University Library, Research, and Information Technology Center.

The children celebrated the “publication” of their illustrated books recently after participating in a special eight-week Young Authors Guild project headed by NSU Youth Services Librarian Amy Stultz.

“It was a wonderful creative experience,” said Stultz. “The group used PCs to write and illustrate their stories in the library’s electronic classroom reserved for children. Each story was uniquely individual and imaginative. The elements of storytelling and plot development were described to the group. They received creative support, and were encouraged to be helpful and cooperative with each other. Each member of the group was encouraged to find his or her own literary ‘voice’ and the results were delightful.”

The next young authors’ workshop at NSU Library is scheduled for September 24 and grades 4 through 8 are invited. Joyce Sweeney, well-known young adult author, will be featured from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required due to limited space. Call (954) 262-5477 for registration and other information on upcoming children’s programs.

The Young Authors and their stories included:

• Erica Meerow of Davie and wrote “Mrs. Swamp,” a short story for a four-to-six-year-old audience. This adorable fantasy follows a young girl starting her first day of kindergarten.
• Feigi Siegel of North Miami Beach– “Is Bigger Really Better?” A fun picture book for very young children, it answers the question: Is it more fun to be a teenager or a pre-schooler?
• Miriam Siegel of Davie authored, “The Junk Drawer,” a picture book for a three-to-five-year-old audience. This sweet tale details how a pair of scissors learns to appreciate his cranky neighbors.
• Chris Stich authored, “Bugs and Hens Can Count to Ten.” This counting book, appropriate for ages two to five years, is a number rhyme sure to bring smiles to little ones.
• Lauren Stich wrote “Surfin’ Joe,” is an action-filled picture book about the adventures of Joe and his best friend when they enter a surfing contest. Suited for a five-to-seven-year-old audience.
• Guiliana Berry of Weston is the author of “Road Trip” follows the heartwarming adventures of a little girl on a road trip to see her grandmother.
• Josiah Blanchette wrote, “A Poor Dog” features the bittersweet dreams of a stray dog and is a good read for dog lovers ages four to seven.
• Sade Olajide of Miramar wrote, “He Lied” is a heartfelt romance that tells the tale of a love gone wrong for the over-17 set.
• Kathy Pond and her brother Kyle of Plantation were the authors of “The Mysterious Surprise Party” is an illustrated short story and fun mystery for ages seven to nine, and – “Sledge Diaries” is a picture book about the exciting adventures of a stuffed shark, and is appropriate for ages four to eight, respectively.
• Aidan Kenney of Pembroke Pines wrote “Mistakes” is the name of a train who must continually learn how to behave. A perfect read for train lovers ages four to six.
• Richard Heyne of Sunrise wrote, “Golden Sun,” which is an exciting sword and sorcery fantasy for ages eight to 12.
• Soleil Tacher of Weston authored, “The Ankle Bracelet” is a fairy tale for the new millennium, for ages six to nine.