Creative writing students author original books

Alex Clark

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Courtesy photo/Alex Clark ?12

SALT LAKE CITY — Students in the 2011-2012 creative writing classes in all four grades at Judge Memorial Catholic High School recently read original books to two classes at Our Lady of Lourdes School.

"Our creative writing students spent the past weeks studying children's picture books and then creating their own," said Linda Simpson, faculty member at Judge. "Our Judge students then visited with Tina Bergquist's third grade class and with Katie Moose's kindergarten class to share their stories. It was a terrific project."

Freshman Xi Dorhofer thoroughly enjoyed the assignment. "I was able to read my book to both classes, the third grade and the kindergarten class. My story was about an awkward turtle who wasn't satisfied with his looks. Through the journey the turtle took, he found that he was beautiful the way he was. It is just a fun book, but does talk about learning who you are, and appreciating who you are."

Sophomore Julie Corbett collaborated with senior Sarah Anne Nakamura on her book. "It was great working with Sarah. I wrote the story first and we got together to add the illustration. The book is about using your imagination and creativity."

Both students admitted to a love of writing. "Writing is one of my favorite things to do," said Corbett. "I loved coming up with the idea and then having an opportunity to turn it into a book."

"Mrs. Simpson is such a good teacher," said Dorhofer. "She really made this a fun project."

Books written by the Judge Memorial Creative Writing students include:

? "A Chicken Named Waffles" by Matt Krump

? "An Alphabet Travel Book" by Alissa Shear and Jeannie Palmer

? "Caesar the Chimp" by Connor Thronson and Adam Weaver

? "Draco the Dragon" by David Griffin

? "Freedom" by Marshall Wallace and Ellis Juhlin

? "Hearts Greater than Fists" Rachel Huley

? "Magic Sweat Pants" by Brian Allen and Mitch Summerson

? "Maximillian the Cat" by Marcela Vasquez

? "My Socks" by Linsey Lara, Emma Hoffman and Toby Allison

? "Paul the Porcupine" by Paul Oliver

? "Phillip the Peacock" by Dominic Oliver

? "The Awkward Turtle" by Xi Dorhofer

? "The Lost Dog Finds His Way Home" by Madison Ravarino

? "The Quest for the Golden Alligator Treasure" by Alex Clark

? "The Swimming Cat and the Clownfish" by Maddy Dobkin and Emma Hoffman

? "The Time Traveler" by Nick Markham

? "Things You Can Do With a Blanket" by Sarah Anne Nakamura and Julia Corbett