By Grace Gallagher
Caribou Middle School seventh-grader
On May 2, 2014 many people from Aroostook County came to UMPI in Presque Isle, Maine. It was an exciting time for all of us. For those of us it was their fist time going, or even for those of us who have been in past years.
A few other children, including me, where in a group called “Writing for News Readers” and that’s what I’m here to write about. My day at Young Authors’ was exciting. I met the director of news at Northeast Publishing Company, Mark Putnam.
Mark taught us about the newspaper and how it has changed throughout the years. We got to see what the newspaper looked like when it first started, throughout the years and now. It was very interesting! It has changed so much, it now has more colored picture and ads. The font is bigger and easier to read too! The way they make newspapers has changed as well. They first made it by hand, now it is all computerized and electronic based.
At the end of our class session, author Lynn Plourde let the other children and I ask her questions. I asked her three questions.
1. What is your favorite book that you have written?
Answer: “The next book that is coming out.”
2. What is your favorite hobby?
Answer: “Reading, kayaking, snowshoeing and spending time with family.”
3. When did you realize that you wanted to become an author?
Answer: “All the way through school, because teachers told me I was a good writer and I thought maybe
writer would be a job to consider.”
In all, I learned so many things about the newspaper and journalism career. I also learned a lot about Lynn Plourde and the author career. I myself want to consider both journalism and being an author as a career when I become older. My experience at Young Authors’ Institute was phenomenal!
Editor’s note: Aroostook Right to Read is an organization of teachers throughout The County who seek to promote literacy in the lives of children. Each year, Aroostook Right to Read selects young authors from grades 4-8 to have their writing published in “Potatoes and Pussywillows” and have the opportunity to attend Young Authors’ Institute at UMPI. Grace was one of several RSU 39 students to attend this year’s event.
Contributed photo
Participating in the “Writing for News Readers” workshop during the Young Authors’ Institute held May 2 at UM-Presque Isle were, from left, Sam Marquis of Teague Park Elementary School (Caribou), Grace Gallagher of Caribou Middle School, Madison Bolling of Mill Pond School (Hodgdon) and Marissa Michaud, also of Caribou MS.
Contributed photo
Inspiring young writers from throughout Aroostook County who attended this year’s Young Authors’ Institute held May 2 on the UM Presque Isle campus was Lynn Plourde, a prolific Maine children’s author who encouraged attendees to find stories and characters that come from their own personal experiences. Her keynote address was called “Writing Truth.”
