Young Authors Sought For New Sudbury Book Collection

SUDBURY, MA — Authors like Stephen King, Joyce Carol Oates and James Baldwin didn't publish their first books until they were well into adulthood. But budding authors in Sudbury can get a jump on publishing right now.

The Goodnow Library is launching a new initiative to collect books written by local young people — specifically, Sudbury-area students in kindergarten through 5th grade.

The Goodnow's new "Local Lit" collection added its first title recently: the book "Pal" by Sudbury elementary student Asher Goldman.

"A kid gets a new dog, but he has to go away for a whole day and leave the dog alone," the synopsis says. "His dog does not know what's happening, so he sets out to find his new family and has an incredible adventure with other animals. He must make it home before sunset though. What if he does not?"

Any local author who goes to school in Sudbury or a surrounding town is welcome to submit a book to the collection. The only requirement is that the book be professionally bound, a service that companies like Snapfish and Shutterfly can provide. The collection cannot accept handwritten or bound books because they need to be durable enough to stay in circulation, according to the library.

"This is a great opportunity for children to write original books for their peers," Library Director Esmé Green said in a news release. "There is nothing like seeing your book in print and on your favorite Library’s shelf. The Library is very excited to support the next generation of authors!"

If you know a young author with a book, contact the Goodnow's children's department at children@sudbury.ma.us or (978) 440-5545.