Islesboro Central School students’ stereotype of authors as middle-aged academics with elbow patches on their tweed jackets was challenged when seventh-grader Sarah Dugan visited the school on Feb. 8 to read from her book Pearl Business and discuss its creation.
After reading her 24-page book to the school’s elementary students, Sarah shared with them the process she went through to both write and illustrate her story. Pearl Business recounts the adventures of Egbert, a crab with a conscience, who learns that sharing can be the ultimate adventure. The book is illustrated with Sarah’s vivid watercolor renderings, depicting Egbert’s underwater world.
Sarah, now a student at Camden Rockport Middle School, wrote her book while attending sixth grade at Fairview School in Auburn, after winning the Auburn school system’s Book Project, whose intent is to give students an opportunity to experience the life of a professional writer.
The Feb. 8 ICS event was co-sponsored by Islesboro Central School’s library and Title 1 department. Students enjoyed Sarah’s book and visit, and were inspired to create works of their own.