The 2017 Reach Incorporated and Shout Mouse Press children’s book writing workshops have drawn to a close. Now that the authors have finished writing, our illustrators are working on bringing their stories to life! Books launch in November and we can't wait. We couldn’t keep these exciting new stories to ourselves, so here’s a sneak peek at this exciting new batch of books:

Title: Carla and the Jazzed Up Scorch Torch Funtastic Sneakers

Authors: Abreona, Kassie, Kairon

Illustrator: Noam Paris

Story Coach: Sarai Johnson

Every year on the first day of school, Carla’s friends show up wearing the coolest new shoes. But not Carla -- her mom always buys her the Same Lame Boring Plain sneakers. And this year is no different. This time, though, Carla won’t settle for more of the same. With a little advice from her older cousin Josh, a few experiments, and a whole lot of creativity, Carla decides to take a chance and do her own thing. But what will her classmates think of her creation?

Title: Deena Misses Her Mom

Authors: Jonae, Jessie, Layonnie, Kahliya

Illustrator: Leslie Pyo

Story Coach: Marisa Kwaning

Lately, Deena has been getting angry. A lot. She acts out in school and keeps getting in trouble. Everyone is surprised because she used to be very calm, but that was before her mother went to jail. Her dad, her grandma, and her best friend Josey all do their best to help her out, but Deena doesn’t want to talk about it. Will a day at the carnival with her Dad help her open up?

Title: SPEAK! Amaya Finds Her Voice

Authors: Ashley, De’Asia, Romel

Illustrator: Carson McNamara

Story Coach: Barrett Smith

It’s Amaya’s first month at a new school in a new state, and she's too scared to speak. Amaya has a stutter.  At her old school she got bullied for how she talked, but she had finally just started making friends. And then her mom got a new job and moved them to DC, where she had to start all over again! Now Amaya is mad at her mom and scared at school. The only friend she shares her feelings with is her dog, Journey, who can talk back! If Amaya doesn’t start speaking soon, she’ll keep getting in trouble and will never make friends. Can Journey and her classmates help Amaya find her voice?

Title: Madison, Sit Down!

Authors: Makiya, Mikala, Dartavius

Illustrator: Emma Sullivan

Story Coaches: Eva Shapiro, Rachel Page

Madison is a first-grader who can’t sit still. She wants to make her teacher like her, but she also wants to jump and scream and play tag with her imaginary best friend, Alex. When Madison accidentally lets her class pet bunny out of its cage during recess, she will have to get creative and form unlikely friendships - and not just imaginary ones - if she wants to prove to her class that a hyperactive little girl can still be responsible.

Don’t worry, we will keep you updated throughout the process! We can’t wait for you to see the finished products.