Write On: Bloomfield Hills Third-Graders Take Top Young Authors' Festival

Two students from Eastover Elementary School in Bloomfield Hills were recently selected as winners in the writing contest for the Young Authors’ Festival held at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

The contest was for students in grades three through five. Kaylah Walker and Samantha Azzoli earned first- and second-place, respectively in the third-grade category.

More than 140 youths took place in the festival. This year’s festival theme was friendship with activities to encourage writing and reading for children

Special presenter was Toni Buzzeo, author of the children’s book “One Cool Friend” (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2012), a Caldecott 2013 Honor Book. Buzzuzo, a UM-Dearborn graduate and author of over 20 children’s books, spoke about the process of writing and publishing a book. She also gave tips and advice to the children about pursuing their own writing.

Children enjoyed break-out sessions led by UM-Dearborn pre-service teachers. Ten sessions covered a variety of topics and techniques to help improve the children’s writing and creativity skills.

In one session, children used ukuleles to explore adding music to their writing. Another session had children creating small books to record their writings. A session for adults gave tips for supporting children in their writing and creative activities.

The festival also included a writing contest for children in grades three through five. Entrants were asked to write about friendship. First, second, and third place winners were selected from each grade along with one grand prize winner. The winning students received Barnes & Noble gift cards and were invited to read their entries aloud at the festival.

The Young Authors’ Festival is a collaborative effort between the university, the community, and individuals: the College of Education, Health, & Human Services; the Mardigian Library; the Dearborn Community Fund; the Office of Metropolitan Impact; the Barnes & Noble Campus Bookstore; and Judith Smith.