Local Middle-School Students Invited to Write Book to Benefit Brenner Children’s Hospital

April 16, 2012

Brenner Children's Hospital at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has partnered with the Books by Kids Foundation to give middle-school students in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools system the chance to become a published author for a good cause.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades are invited to enter the Brenner Children's Hospital Young Authors Contest. Participants will craft their versions of the book "Winston-Salem from A to Z," an original story about the city that incorporates historical figures, landmarks and characteristics-one item for each letter of the alphabet. Patients from Brenner Children's Hospital will illustrate the book, which will be designed, published and distributed by Books by Kids.

The book will be released in late fall 2012 and sold throughout the Winston-Salem area. All net proceeds of book sales will benefit Brenner Children's Hospital.

"We are thrilled to partner with Brenner Children's Hospital to create 'Winston-Salem from A to Z,'" said Heather Surface, founder and director of the Books by Kids Foundation. "While the project offers a fun way for local kids to learn about their hometown and a chance to see their words in print, it also underscores the importance of giving back to their community."

The contest is open to individual students, not group entries. Each applicant will receive a starter list of A to Z items that represent Winston-Salem. The winning author will be awarded a Kindle Fire, recognition as a contributing author in the book and inclusion in related publicity. The winning student's class also will receive a pizza party in his or her honor.

Contest applications are available online at www.booksbykids.com/winston-salem. A parent or guardian must register their child for the contest and agree to copyright assignments and other necessary waivers. The deadline for submissions is May 7. The winning author will be announced later in May.

The Books by Kids Foundation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is a nonprofit organization that facilitates the production of educational children's books. All books published by Books by Kids are written and illustrated in part by children and benefit nonprofit organizations

Media Relations

Eric Whittington: ewhittin@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-5318