Struggling to find the perfect costume for Adairsville Elementary School’s iconic Book Character Parade, 9-year-old Hadleigh Ehrhardt did what no other student had done before.
“I wrote a book and had it published, so I could be my own, original character in the parade,” said Hadleigh.
Dressed in yellow overalls and holding her furry sidekick, Sid, Hadleigh had students and staff talking.
“Hadleigh's desire to not promote just any book during our school's character parade showed real tenacity and enthusiasm,” said AES Principal Melissa Zarefoss.
“Hadleigh is an amazing student who allows her creativity to soar,” added Candis Roberson, Hadleigh’s English Language Arts teacher. “When she faces a situation where she cannot find a path that will lead her where she wants to go, she puts in the work and creates her own path.”
It is a common saying in the publishing industry to "write the book you want to read but can't find on the shelves.” Hadleigh did just that when she created Zoey’s Quest for Her Lost Dog, a story about a young girl who loses her dog and goes on an adventure to find him. The book even contains illustrations created by Hadleigh and revamped by a graphic designer.
“It took a day to write it, five days for dad to get the graphic design done, and three days to get it published on Amazon,” said Hadleigh.
Hadleigh, new to AES, had been a part of a Writing Club before but did not know her imaginative personality could take her this far at such a young age.
“She was very excited,” said Justin Ehrhardt, Hadleigh’s father. “I was excited for her to do it and accomplish this goal. I was grateful to help be a part of it.”
Throughout the writing process and in her future endeavors, Hadleigh said she hopes other children will realize that “it’s ok to ask for help” like the character in her book and that it is possible to publish a book in elementary school.
“Hadleigh’s dedication and commitment to personal growth is evident through her consistent critical thinking and determination,” said Roberson. “I proudly bought her book and had her sign it! I am thrilled to know I own her first publication and look forward to seeing where she goes from here. It will be an honor to tell future students, ‘I know that world changer!’
Zoey’s Quest for Her Lost Dog is available now on Amazon. There are two five-star ratings already, and a second manuscript is in the works for this imaginative, intelligent “world changer” who is also wise beyond her years.
LINK TO BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Zoeys.../dp/B0BCSFB2H5/ref=sr_1_1...