WRITER’S PROGRAM Young Inspired

On June 8, students from DeSoto ISD’s Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy held a book signing event at UNT Dallas. The participating students showcased books they had authored, many with incredibly detailed book covers. The room was full of proud family members and encouraging friends. Supporters purchased their favorite books on the spot for the child to autograph.

This Young Inspired Writer’s Program began in 2019 when Sharmetra Lewis, a 3rd grade teacher at KJTMA, had an idea. “This was a vision given to me to start a writer’s program,” she said. “I didn’t know how to do it, but I knew the end-all. So I just worked through the process on faith, and on faith, I was able to bring in an entire community and create something successful.”

The program officially launched in September 2022. Students began writing their stories with the end goal of becoming published authors before the end of the 2023 school year. Lewis was excited to announce 18 students started the program, and all 18 successfully became published authors.

“There was an open-door policy for students who were interested in the program,” Ms. Lewis said. “All we ask is that they understand the task and dedicate themselves to the year-long process.”

The self-published authors include scholars from KJTMA’s 3rd through 8th grades.

Among the published books is Morgan’s Marvelous Memories, authored by Morgan R. Johnson, a 3rd grader. When asked about her book, Johnson said, “My book has 5 different stories and are about my memories from when I was 6 years old. The stories are part fiction and part non-fiction,” Morgan said. “They are from my imagination during the coronavirus pandemic when many places were closed and my grandmother encouraged me and my sister to be creative.”

Karson McKnight, also a 3rd grader, wrote The Boy with Luck. Karson says his book is about a young boy who believes he is unlucky, but he learns he’s really blessed and must remain positive despite the circumstances. “My spiritual beliefs,” Karson said of the inspiration behind his book. “People go through challenges in life and think they are unlucky, but we really are all blessed.”

Elijah DuBois, a 4th grader, authored How I Mastered Apex Predator. Elijah says, “My book is about a boy who has to overcome getting bullied at school and trying to master a game at home while grounded. He challenges himself to see if he can be victorious at school and in the game.” Elijah’s story stems from people getting bullied at school. “I wanted to inspire them to not be defeated and to overcome bullying.”

8th grader Peyton Mackey wrote Together. “My book is about four friends who meet when a human spaceship crashes on a magical planet called Crystal,” Peyton said. “Together, they navigate their new merged world while combatting the discrimination they face for being different.” Mackey spoke of her inspiration, “I was inspired by activists who fought for social change and I wanted to do the same; this is my way of conveying that.”

Students’ families, current staff, and even retired teachers assisted in plot development, sentence structure, and illustrations

Once the books were finalized, they sent the files to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for printing. Printing of the actual books took less than two days.

Although some student’s future careers involve professions outside of writing, this writing program allows DeSoto ISD scholars to add “published author” to their resumes to outshine competitors.

When she grows up, Morgan wishes to be a chef, a rich and famous actress, AND a Kindergarten teacher.

Karson kept his options open by saying, “I would like to be an entrepreneur.”

As an elementary student, Elijah’s future could lead anywhere. “Right now, I want to be an author and pastor.” But he quickly added, “I might change my mind later!”

Mackey contemplates her future going in several possible directions, “I want to be a performing artist and author. However, I want to try art like painting, singing, and theater as careers.” Mackey isn’t locking herself down to one field. “I’d also like to study computer science. I’ve even thought about becoming a chemist, or theoretical physicist. I have time to figure it out.”

DeSoto ISD congratulates all 18 scholars for becoming published authors! The writing program is open to all DeSoto ISD KJTMA students who want to participate.

Recap From The Book Signing Event

All 18 Published Books

3RD GRADE

Madison’s Big Move, by Skylar Day

The Boy with Luck, by Karson McKnight

Morgan’s Marvelous Memories, by Morgan R. Johnson

Not My Day, by Michelle Gore

4TH GRADE

Me Too, by Aiyanna Garrett

Kayla the Color Changing Girl, by Kaysen Jones

Yearbook, by Beauti Carroll-Jackson

Dear Diary, by Jasmine Burleson

Out of this World, by Kaden Meeks

My Uncle is a Vampire, by Jeremiah Scott

How I Mastered Apex Predator, by Elijah Dubois

5TH GRADE

Moving In, by Cassandra Piggatt

The Haunted Playground, by Kimberly Booker

It’s a Struggle, by Kayrin Scott

What Did I Do to Deserve This, by Triniti Spellman

Dear Diary, by Racheal Dawotola

6TH GRADE

Players Class, by Kyla Charles

8TH GRADE

Together, by Peyton Mackey