Dec. 18, 2002 – Student writers at Julius E. Sprauve School have produced an anthology of their work as the culmination of a project undertaken by a resident novelist.
The first 150 copies of "St. John Tales" were released this week. Author Cristina Kessler said she is especially pleased that every student in the third, fourth and fifth grades is represented in the 27-page book.
Attending one-hour workshops every day for two weeks, the students wrote a total of 46 stories and took part in editing sessions where they refined their final products. "They worked hard," Kessler said. Those who didn't write stories drew pictures which were used as illustrations.
The stories range in length from a page to a paragraph, but each one tells a tale. Many are about daily life and friendships. Some speak of childhood aspirations; others take everyday occurrences on journeys of imagination:
"Once upon a time there was a big cave on Main Street. I was walking down Main Street one Saturday and I heard this strange noise. I was terrified so I ran home as fast as I could …" wrote Javed Williams in his story, "the Noise Maker."
"Max's father is in space on a station called Space Control. Space Control controls all the electricity on the two planets. It's like having no electricity bill because it all comes from the black hole…" is part of the story "Space Boy and Star Girl" by J'neil Jacobs.
In "A Model's Story," Deitra Powell dreams up a girl named Kay-Kay and gives her a reality check: "she wanted to be a model, but she didn't have enough money or clothes. So Kelly went to J.C. Penny to look for work. The manager told her that she could be a cashier…"
Some stories pose dilemmas and offer resolution. "Kobe and his sister Denisha went to the airport one day to go visit their mother, Terri in Orlando. When they were on their way to Orlando the plane stopped and they fell down into the water. They saw a seaplane and the seaplane came down for them …" wrote Timmica Hendrickson in her story, "My Family Vacation."
Desmond Charles Jr. created Mojo, the "Hairy Monkey" who had to figure out how to get his hands on a pot of gold that was surrounded by "mindless carnival freaks." When one strategy failed, he tried a different approach. To find out what he did, you'll have to read the book.
Copies of "St. John Tales" are being sold, Kessler said, and the proceeds will be used to fund next year's writing project, a goal fully supported by Sprauve Principal Shirley Joseph. "The reason we are selling the booklet is not only to make the children feel proud but to raise more money to continue the writing project, because we want the children to practice their writing some more," Joseph said.
The books sell for $7.50 and are available at Bajo el Sol, Beauty in Balance, Every Ting and Wicker Wood and Shells. Copies also will be available at the school when classes resume in January. For more information, call Joseph's office at Sprauve School, 776-6336.
The book was published with the help of the V.I. Center for the Disabled, where clients learn job skills. Even as the first run was being offered to the public on Monday, center program coordinator Patricia Samuel was supervising the printing of the remaining job order. "We're still making copies because Mrs. Joseph asked for 600 copies," Samuel said.
Kessler, a St. John resident whose husband, Joe, is executive director of the Friends of the V.I. National Park, used her skills as the author of six books to guide the students through the writing and editing process. Her own first book was published in 1986, and her first children's book, in 1995.
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