Hardy School 3rd graders can really spin a story

From Hardy Elementary School library teacher Lisa Rogers:

Two Hardy School students are winners in a nationwide story contest. A story by Ellie Jones (left) has received first prize in Charlesbridge Publishing’s “Me and My Dragon” contest, and a story by Arianna Cozza (right) was selected as one of two runners-up.

Students nationwide were invited to participate in the contest, inspired by Charlesbridge author David Biedrzycki’s picture book about a boy who has a perfect day with his pet dragon.

As part of the library curriculum, students practice identifying problems and solutions in stories and discuss various ways in which writers approach their craft. They drew on their background knowledge in creating unique and fresh approaches to the idea of what a day with a pet dragon would be like.

All third-grade students in Lisa Rogers’ library class participated by writing and/or illustrating their stories. Ellie’s story, “I Want a Dinosaur,” tells of how a little girl who longs for a dinosaur and a lonely dragon come together. Arianna’s story, “Oliver,” tells of a child who obtains a dragon egg at a pet store, helps it hatch and grow, and gives it a loving home.

As a result of Ellie’s win, David Biedrzycki will visit the Hardy School third grade. He’ll also give signed books to the two award-winning writers and Ellie’s story will be published on the Charlesbridge website. She will also receive a $100 gift certificate to Wellesley Books.