Local Students Become Published Authors, Inspired by a Community Champion for Literacy
INDIANAPOLIS — An inspiring initiative is transforming the lives of young students at IPS Brookside School 54, where 54 children have embarked on a journey of creativity and authorship. Under the guidance of local musician and author Tevin Studdard, these budding authors are contributing to library shelves with unique stories they wrote themselves.
This remarkable project, part of Studdard’s LEAD initiative—an acronym for Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Dreams—aims not only to cultivate literacy but also to empower children by teaching them how to write and publish their own books. The positive impact of this program resonates deeply, encouraging the next generation to embrace reading and writing as avenues for self-expression and personal growth.
The enthusiasm of these young authors is contagious. For instance, 6-year-old Mia Edwards penned "A Princess and Her Wish," a tale about a dancer, while ten-year-old Henry Phillips wrote "Henry’s Dream," showcasing the power of friendship in sports. Each story, created either from imaginative flights or personal experiences, reflects the unique voices and experiences of these students. As 9-year-old Amara Ramirez shared about her book on adoption, “It was fun. I wrote about my adoption. It’s about how my Mamaw adopted me.” Such narratives resonate with the biblical acknowledgment that everyone is created with a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11).
Studdard, an IPS graduate, initiated the program in community centers and parks, starting this summer. Brookside School was the first to implement this creative literacy initiative, with an astonishing 40 more schools preparing to join. As he articulates, “I was a creative kid and thought it would be cool if kids could write their own books and make money from it. It encourages them to read.” This joyful exploration of literacy aligns with the biblical invitation to nurture our gifts (Matthew 25:14-30), reminding us to use our talents for the greater good.
The LEAD program has already touched the lives of over 300 children, proving impactful on many fronts. Not only are the children growing in creativity, but they are also becoming confident, proud authors excited to share their work with peers and family. “Oh, they are more excited to read. They are more excited to write. They are more creative,” exclaimed Brookside Principal Shauna Lipscomb. This elevation in enthusiasm echoes the biblical tenet that learning and growth are dynamic parts of our journey alongside others in community (Proverbs 27:17).
This initiative transcends just individual growth—it’s about community engagement. On February 8, coinciding with Studdard’s birthday, Indianapolis will celebrate "Young Authors Day," featuring a book fair where the young authors can sell their books to the community, fostering a support system that encourages literacy and entrepreneurship.
As these children find joy in writing and reading, they cultivate a foundation for lifelong learning and creativity that reflects values of hope, stewardship, and generosity. In the spirit of encouragement from 1 Peter 4:10—“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others”—these students remind us of the power of sharing our stories and the impact it can have on our communities.
In conclusion, as we observe the remarkable transformation at Brookside School, we are invited to reflect on our gifts and how we might inspire those around us. Consider how you can contribute to the growth of others in your community, perhaps through mentorship, sharing your talents, or simply encouraging those around you to pursue their dreams. Like these young authors, we all have the potential to create and inspire with our unique stories.
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