Short stories written by Sandburg students publish in June

Sixth-grade students in Shelby DeWeese’s English class at Sandburg Middle School (SMS) have been hard at work since November on the Young Authors' Book Project through 826 MSP and with support from Breck School. Each week, a guest teacher from 826 MSP and volunteer tutors from Breck and 826 visited DeWeese’s classroom to provide additional creative writing support. 

“I am so excited that our students have been able to participate this year,” said DeWeese. “While studying and writing short stories is a standard part of our 6th grade English curriculum, we were able to make much deeper and more meaningful connections with the short story genre and subgenres through these partnerships.” 

Students have written short stories in the subgenres of fable, mystery, and science fiction. They then chose their favorite story to revise and publish. In June, a professionally-published anthology of SMS 6th graders' writing will be published and distributed across the state. 

“Many students shared with me that Wednesdays were their favorite days of the week due to this project,” said DeWeese. “Getting to interact with the 826 staff and volunteers was a refreshing and important experience each week. This project is more than a lesson or writing workshop - it's a chance for students to develop their identities as writers and recognize that their voices matter.”

At 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 6 a book release celebration will be hosted by 826 MSP at Theo Wirth Park Trailhead. Students who are published in the book will receive a  free copy, have the opportunity to read their stories on stage, and will be available to sign books for guests.