July 19, 2023 at 12:59 a.m.

'THE WINTER THAT WASN’T’

All Saints students named as finalists in the National Book Challenge

First graders at All Saints Catholic Academy have been named as finalists in the 2022-23 National Book Challenge hosted by Studentreasures Publishing. (Provided photos)

Julie Reilly and her first-grade class at All Saints Catholic Academy have been named as finalists in the 2022-23 National Book Challenge hosted by Studentreasures Publishing.

For this honor, the class will receive a $50 gift card and each student will receive a published author certificate. Each of the first-grade authors were recognized for their contributions to their book — “The Winter That Wasn’t” — which was published earlier this year through Studentreasures’ free publishing program.

Reilly’s class was inspired by the changing climate in the Arctic when they created “The Winter That Wasn’t.” In the story, the main character — a polar bear named LJ — learned about climate change, what it is and why it’s happening. He then travels all over the world visiting animals to learn how climate change is affecting them. The first-grade authors researched, wrote and illustrated their book before sending their completed pages to be published.

“At Studentreasures, we are fortunate to witness tremendous creativity and talent from classrooms around the country and all students who publish a book,” said Chad Zimmerman, president and chief executive officer at Studentreasures. “We especially congratulate Miss Reilly and her students for earning this unique achievement and completing a project that provides lasting memories and a one-of-a-kind keepsake.”

As a finalist in the National Book Challenge, Reilly’s class book was selected from entries across the country and awarded as a Top 50 book based on its originality, creative storyline and colorful illustrations. This nationwide contest was open to more than 75,000 books that were submitted to Studentreasures for free publishing this school year.