Voices' showcases students' writing, art
Juliana Goodwin
News-Leader
It's almost like being famous, says Carver Middle School student Arandi Lopez.
"I think it's pretty cool. Not very many people get to get published in a book," the eighth-grader says.
Arandi's story about living in Mexico was published in "Voices from the Middle: Book 2." It's a kaleidoscope of writing and artwork from seven Springfield middle schools and students in Isesaki, Japan.
The first version, a collection from Carver teens, was published in 2004. It was the result of a collaboration between teacher Barbara Kraft and a local publisher who was also a Carver parent.
"Voices from the Middle: Book 2" goes on sale and young authors will be on hand for a book signing at 1 p.m. Saturday at Barnes & Noble. The signing will be followed by student performances.
"Barnes & Noble is well recognized in our country as being a good bookstore, and everyone associates it with good authors," Kraft says. "So I think it's important for the kids to be able to get recognition (as authors). It does wonderful things for promoting good writing."
Kraft's vision is for students around the world to have a forum to express themselves and realize, through their writing, they are more similar than different. She encouraged international students in Springfield to submit their work, as well as teens in Japan. Their work appears in Japanese and is translated on the facing page, which Kraft says is unique.
While the book has a young audience, parents should read it, says publisher Lee Fredrickson.
"Parents need to read this book if they want to understand how junior high (students) think. Young writers are able to open up with their feelings, their emotions, much easier than an adult writer," he says.
The idea for the first book originated with Fredrickson, whose son was in Kraft's class.
"My son at that time was in his last year at Carver and I wanted to do something special for the school, and as a publisher the best thing I could do is publish a book written by the students," Fredrickson says.
As students' submissions poured in, they were both impressed with the talent.
Brittany John, 14, who has been interested in poetry since kindergarten, crafted a poem for the second installment.
Brittany loves the concept of a student-driven book, she says. Before she submitted her own work, she read every piece in the first anthology. For her, Saturday has been a long time coming.
"I was always anticipating it, just waiting for it," Brittany says.
Everyone has been waiting: It has taken two years to get the funding to publish 2,500 copies. An anonymous donor fronted the money for this book, but so far there has not been a consistent source of funding. Proceeds from sales of the book will be divided among the schools.
From open to close on Saturday, Barnes & Noble will donate a percentage of sales from all CD, DVD and book sales to the schools for anyone purchasing with a voucher, says Renee Hunt, community relations manager.
This applies to all book sales, not just "Voices."
Vouchers are available at customer service in the middle of the store or before checking out.
"It's really a win-win situation. We sell books, they are selling their book and they are getting money back for their book," Hunt says. The book retails for $10.99 and is available at Barnes & Noble and www.amazon.com
