How do you make the world a better place? Who better to ask than a fourth or fifth grader? That's exactly what the Young Authors League (YAL) of the CIPA Education and Literacy Foundation (ELF) did! This past year, YAL Director and ELF President Debra Gano invited fourth and fifth grade students from the Cherry Creek School District in Denver to participate in a short story writing and art contest using the theme "Making the World a Better Place." After screening the finalists and a writing workshop conducted by Gano, editor Faye Quam Heimerl, and author Penny Holguin, winners were selected to appear in a book published by the CIPA Education and Literacy Foundation.

It is with great pleasure that we announce "Making the World a Better Place: Student Stories about Making a Difference." From Fearless Foam-Fighters to an argument between a fork and a spoon, and from the Get Things Done Girls to the power of a smile, this is a delightful collection of inspiring short stories and artwork by the students themselves. Experience the insights, as well as the talents, of these amazing students, and find out for yourself how to make the world a better place...you may be inspired to do the same!

Purchase your copy now, and support the CIPA Education and Literacy Foundation (ELF), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering and inspiring school-age children to read and write. All proceeds from the sale of this book benefit ELF in developing and implementing literacy programs for students that bring out their potential and build their excitement for reading and writing.

For a list of winners, participating schools, comments, and information on upcoming YAL events, please visit http://debragano.com/young-authors-league1/.

A big Thank You to ALL who entered the contest and assisted with this project - your participation really DID help “make the world a better place!” Students in other school districts, stay tuned - your turn is next!

Book cover credits: Illustration by Kayla Rondinelli of Dry Creek Elementary School; design by Karin Hoffman, www.AJImagesInc.com

Debra Gano Young Author's League Director and author of the Heartlight Girls series

*CIPA ELF is a Public Charity pursuant to IRC Section 509(a)(3) and supports the charitable and education activities of CIPA, including the Young Authors League (YAL), the Book Benefit Program, Community Literacy Awareness and other activities. CIPA ELF  was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes and is tax-exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3) effective October 20, 2005.