What are the odds? Two students in one class are finalists in statewide writing contest What are the odds? Two students in one class are finalists in statewide writing contest (July 21, 2004)

By Jennifer Nuckols
Special to the Almanac

To be a state finalist in any competition is a thrill, but it's especially so when you are a 10-year-old aspiring writer and your writing is chosen from more than 6,000 entries. But it may be even a greater thrill for the teacher who finds out that her fifth-grade class produced two of the 30 state finalists.

That's what happened recently when Philips Brooks School teacher Mary Ellen McQueen learned that two of her fifth-graders -- Emily Ryles, 11, of Atherton, and Ryan Nowicki, 10, of Woodside -- were named finalists in the California Center for the Book's "Letter about Literature" competition, in which students wrote letters to authors who inspired them.

"It's been my biggest honor since I've been a teacher," says Ms. McQueen.

Emily Ryles

Emily wrote to author Catherine Thimmesh because she says that her book, "Girls Think of Everything," which portrays women inventors, reminded Emily that she could be successful and influential.

In her letter, Emily wrote:

"Before the late 1800s and the Women's Rights Movement, women didn't have many opportunities to use their creativity and speak their mind. Now we have that advantage. 'Girls Think of Everything' inspired me to use mine. ... Most of all, your book has helped me to see who I am: an inventor, creator, and maybe a well-known name in the future. This book has shown me that it is okay to follow my dreams."

The news that she was a finalist came as a surprise. "I had almost forgotten about it until I got the letter," says Emily. "Then I was in shock."

Her recognition came shortly after she underwent surgery for scoliosis, a curvature of the spine.

"The news really helped the recovery along," says Marsha Ryles, Emily's mother.

Ryan Nowicki

Ryan wrote to author Chris Priestly because he says that his book, "Battle of Britain," helped Ryan better understand the emotions of war. The book is the fictionalized diary of an 18-year-old British pilot during World War II.

In his letter, Ryan wrote:

"During my fourth-grade school year, our country went to war in the Middle East with the country of Iraq. As an American 10-year-old, it was hard for me to imagine how it must feel for the young soldiers to leave home and go halfway around the world to fight a war. Your book, 'Battle of Britain,' brought to my mind our country's current situation for our young people on the battlefield. ... This book taught me a lot ... it made me think and reflect on a deeper level."

Ryan purchased the book during a family trip to England.

"Ryan has been writing on his own for quite a while, so it was nice that he was recognized this way," says his mother, Laura Nowicki.

Relate it to life

The letters were judged according to the student's ability to convey their emotions through writing and to relate the book to their own life, says Beth Jacobsen of the sponsoring organization, the California Center for the Book, based at UCLA.

The students were honored at a formal luncheon at the capitol building in Sacramento that included a tour of the state library and an opportunity to mingle with well-known children's authors.

Notes Ryan's mother: "Terry Trueman, the author of 'Stuck in Neutral,' took Ryan aside and said how much he loved Ryan's letter, and how he can't wait to read Ryan's first book."

Both Ryan and Emily say they aspire to be writers one day. The letters of the 30 finalists will be sent to the respective authors this summer, says Ms. Jacobsen.

INFORMATION

The California Center for the Book published the letters of the 30 finalists in a booklet that can be ordered for $5 at www.calbook.com.

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