Creative Young Writers' Children's Charity Has Been Published Nationwide
23rd May 2018
The creative thoughts and storylines created by a highly talented group of young students are being published in an adventure story which not only entertains young readers, tackles the challenges they face when making the move from primary to secondary school, but also raises money to support children around the world.
Five teams of five from Year 8 at Four Dwellings Academy in Quinton, Birmingham competed over many months for the glittering prize of having their story transformed into a real-life published book by author and illustrator team BB Taylor and Holly Bushnell, creators of the Murphy and the Monster Series.
The team 'Wizz Writers' emerged victorious with their story 'The Curse of the Nomed' about a boarding school with an evil Egyptian god headmaster who brainwashes pupils during assembly until a group of children break the curse with the help of an unlikely librarian heroine.
In collaboration with Wesleyan, the specialist financial services mutual, and Partnership for Children, the winning team have created an adventure that tackles the challenges faced when encountering the unknown, and promotes positive mental health for children leaving primary school.
One of the 'Wizz Writers' team explained: "It was an exciting experience for all of us. We learned so many things that we will need in our future careers. Not just in writing skills, but also in subjects like marketing, research and making the best possible use of social media. Although the story explores Egyptian culture, it is also based in Scotland so we bring two completely different communities together."
The judges said: "All the presentations were great, but this team really stood out for the energy and zest they brought to the project."
The story will now be sold in bookshops and online. All net proceeds from the sales of the book will go to Partnership for Children, an independent charity which promotes the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children around the world. Book sales and other donations raised over £20,000 within days of its release.
A dedicated website for the project can be seen at https://lookatourbook.co.uk/