Young Authors winners share tales of kingdoms, outer space and more

When this year’s Young Authors competition came up, one Greenwood Elementary School second-grader had a sequel on her mind.

Callie Hansen remembered “The Aliens,” the Young Authors manuscript that her mother wrote when she attended Greenwood. The book her mother read to her was about a young space explorer who longed to visit planet Earth. 

In Callie’s version, young alien protagonist Gracie had a more specific objective: Gracie took a joyride in the family spaceship bound for Earth to see a real tiger. Much like Callie, Gracie loves animals, and tigers, in particular.

“That’s my favorite animal at the zoo, too,” Callie said. “It was really hard to write. It took a lot of days.”

Callie’s Young Authors manuscript was appropriately titled. “The Aliens Part Two.” She said both she and her mother were excited to learn that the sequel was selected as her school’s winner in the Young Authors contest.

Callie was one of 10 students from kindergarten through middle school selected by a panel of Woodstock Community Unit School District 200 educators as this year’s Young Authors winners. They have been invited to participate in readings at Read Between the Lynes bookstore on Thursday, April 16.

Kristen Sauber, a reading interventionist who oversees the Young Authors program, said about 500 students participated in this year’s competition. Student manuscripts reference magical kingdoms, intrepid space explorers, a unique pet groomer, and the confectionery paradise of Candyland Island.

“It's exciting to see so many students writing in their free time and sharing their thoughts and creativity,” Sauber said. The Young Authors committee is so thankful that the community of Woodstock supports and encourages our Young Authors to share their stories with others.”

“We had a wide variety of genres submitted this year, including fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and a few comic books. We are also especially grateful to the retired teachers and community members who joined us to judge the books that the students submitted,” Sauber added.

This year’s winners were as follows:
 

Kamden Roth, Ryan’s Dream

Olson Elementary School, Third grade

 

Lucas Moritz, Henry’s Adventure

Westwood Elementary School, Fifth grade

 

Elaynie Reynoso, Dia de playa

Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center, Kindergarten

 

Dawsyn Sheahan, Wacky Hair and Wagging Tails

Mary Endres Elementary School, Third grade

 

Rebekah Bilyk, Haley’s Quest on Candy Island

Prairiewood Elementary School, Third grade

 

Sofia Medina & Jaelyn Stoneburner, The Girl in the Lake 

Dean Street Elementary School, Fifth grade

 

Callie Hansen, The Aliens Part Two

Greenwood Elementary School, Second grade

 

Teddy Mule, The Story of the Little Bear

Clay Academy, Fifth grade

 

Mary Ciccolella The Secret of Eldra

Northwood Middle School, Seventh grade

 

Declan DiGuido, Beyond Infinity

Creekside Middle School, Sixth grade