Once upon a time, Worley students wrote a book

Charita M. Goshay, The Repository
·2 min read
Worley School students Desmiree Hardeman, Kyleigh Hillery and Josthin Lopez-Cruz look over their new book "When I Grow Up." Fourth and fifth grade students wrote, illustrated and published their own book, which they signed for parents. (Photo: Canton City Schools)
Worley School students Desmiree Hardeman, Kyleigh Hillery and Josthin Lopez-Cruz look over their new book "When I Grow Up." Fourth and fifth grade students wrote, illustrated and published their own book, which they signed for parents. (Photo: Canton City Schools)

CANTON ‒ If their stories come true, the future is in good hands.

Fourth and fifth graders at Worley Elementary School hosted a book signing this week for "When I Grow Up," a new book the students wrote, illustrated and published as a joint project.

Each student was given a page to write and illustrate their future hopes and what they wished for the world.

Parents were invited for the book-signing event.

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Each family received a copy signed by all the young authors.

Principal Jennifer Stokoe said the book was the brainchild of Bailey McGuire, a first-year reading and writing teacher.

"She did the whole thing; it was all her idea," Stokoe said. "She's definitely 'rookie of the year' material."

Stokoe said she hopes the project will deepen students' appreciation for education.

"I really hope they are encouraged, first of all, to know that their parents value education," she said. "Also, to foster that love of reading and writing. They were so excited; they've been talking about it for days."

Korban Jacobs, Aubree Hughes and Elena Snow, standing, during the book signing at Worley Elementary School in Canton. (Photo: Canton City School District)
Korban Jacobs, Aubree Hughes and Elena Snow, standing, during the book signing at Worley Elementary School in Canton. (Photo: Canton City School District)

McGuire said she brought the idea from another district where she worked as a substitute teacher.

"I decided to do it here," she said. "I want them to feel accomplished."

The book was published at no charge by Student Learners.

Worley School students Lachlan McIntosh, left, and Da'Vontae Powell sign copies of their new book, "When I Grow Up."
Worley School students Lachlan McIntosh, left, and Da'Vontae Powell sign copies of their new book, "When I Grow Up."

McGuire thinks the book helped student broaden their horizons. Aspirations of being a police officer, athlete and entertainer made the list, as did wishes for a cleaner, more peaceful world.

"When we talked about what they wanted to be when they grew up, some of them mentioned being on YouTube," she said. "I wanted them to know that being an author is a job, too."

Jana Ferguson's fourth grader Kyleigh Hillery, 9, took part in the project.

"I love it," said Ferguson, who has two other children at Worley. "They do similar projects every year."

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com

On Twitter: @cgoshayREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Once upon a time, Worley students wrote a book