Sophomore at John H. Glenn Publishes First Book

An Elwood-John H. Glenn High School sophomore did something most people never do.

She wrote a book.

Mary Zabransky wrote and published her first book entitled, “I Understand.”

The book was inspired by her freshman year English honor class project, in which students were instructed to read the play, “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen. The students used to book to analyze gender barriers and stereotypes in the 21st century.

Zabransky was intrigued by a unique reading assignment about Sonia Singh, an Austrian woman who buys Bratz dolls and gives them a make-under. Singh removes the heavy makeup and changes their clothes to give the dolls a more natural appearance.

Inspired by this innovative idea, Zabransky created make-under dolls for her classmates and distributed them during her final presentation.

This past summer, Zabransky reflected and explored the theme of stereotypical standards. As a result, she wrote “I Understand” which includes a variety of inspirational vignettes, quotes and poems.

“After creating over thirty make-under dolls, I was inspired to compile a collection of concentrated thoughts in hopes to present the reader with something much more than simply reading about or possessing a doll,” Zabransky said. “All people have the ability to do amazing things. Just be yourself and everyone will benefit.”

Photo courtesy of the Elwood Union Free School District: Elwood-John H. Glenn High School sophomore Mary Zabransky with her newly published book “I Understand.”