Students celebrate completion of books

Kevin Hight completed his first book at the age of 12 -- and he's not alone.

Fourth-graders at Fremont Elementary School hosted their families and friends Friday to show off the books they'd written and illustrated.

Kevin wrote about his dog, Maigi.

"I love him so much," he explained. "I like to play with him."

Other students also drew on their own life experience to get material for their books.

Macklyn Jasso, 10, wrote a book about snow boarding with his friend, Joshua Peacock, 10, who also wrote about skiing and snow boarding.

"It's one of my favorite hobbies," Macklyn said. "It's really fun."

Schools Superintendent Mary Pierczynski attended the book signing receptions.

"The thing I like about this whole project is the creativity it requires," she said. "They not only have to write but illustrate and put the whole book together. Can you imagine what a treasure these will be down the years?"

Mike Berkich came to see his daughter, Caitlin, 10, present her book "The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes."

"I thought it was pretty challenging and pretty exciting for them," he said. "They really got into it -- at least my daughter did. She got to learn about publishers and authors and what they go through, start to finish, in making a book."

Students also drew on the experiences of people close to them for story ideas.

Brittney Allen, 9, wrote a romantic story about a girl Share Witchmen who met a guy, Derek, and the two ended up falling in love and getting married.

"It reminds me of my aunt Kari," Brittney said. "That's why I dedicated it to her."

In each of the four classrooms, the students, one by one, introduced their books to the guests and displayed one of their favorite illustrations.

A reception with autographs and refreshments followed.