Upper St. Clair Author is First-Place Winner in National Contest

Upper St. Clair resident Susan Castriota’s book Wilson Learns Manners was awarded a perfect score in this year’s Purple Dragonfly Book Awards.

The children's story of Wilson, an adopted poodle who helps teach children good manners, won the Charity/Making a Difference Category.

Five Star Publications Inc. of Chandler, Ariz., created the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards with children in mind. The contest recognizes and honors accomplished authors in the field of children's literature.

Accepting entries in 35 subject categories, ranging from books on the environment and cooking to sports and family issues, the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards are geared toward stories that appeal to children of all ages. Judges are industry experts with specific knowledge about the categories over which they preside. Being honored with a Purple Dragonfly Book Award confers great credibility upon the winner.

"Our judges really had their work cut out for them this year," says Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications. "We had an unprecedented number of high-quality, deserving entries."