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PARIS, PIGS AND PUBLISHING. Above, Hamilton-Parsons Elementary fourth grader Macy Manchester will have her short story, "Paris Pig," featured in the 2010 edition of "Kaleidoscope," an annual publication assembled by the Michigan Reading Association.

(Observer photo by Chris Gray)

Ham-Par student's story on Paris
pig to be published in Kaleidoscope

by CHRIS GRAY
Observer Staff Writer

      A Hamilton-Parson Elementary student's creativity has earned her the opportunity to be a published author.
       Fourth-grade student Macy Manchester was chosen as one of many Michigan students to have their short stories published in "Kaleidoscope 2010," a publication sponsored by the Michigan Reading Association (MRA) to celebrate the talents of young authors.
       The MRA is a statewide literacy organization first established in 1958, and accepts one submission per school for the annual publication. This will be the 19th year for the publication, which accepts entries from kindergarten to 12th-grade authors.
       Along with the publication, students are also invited to attend a luncheon at the 54th MRA Annual Conference held March 21 at the Cobo Center. This year's guest speaker is Brod Bagert, an author of children and adult books and poetry who has toured all over the world.
       Manchester, 9, said she was very excited when she heard that her story was chosen.
       "When Ms. McCaffery read the letter my stomach just dropped," she said. "I think it's really cool for it to be in a book, it's really exciting."
       Students had the option of writing a story and turning it into Manchester's teacher, Julia McCaffery. From there all the teachers decided which story they liked the best and sent in that story to the MRA.
       "I thought it was great, it had a surprise ending that I did not expect, I think that is what made her the choice to be entered," said McCaffery.
       For her story, Manchester decided to combine her love for pigs and Paris, France into a story aptly titled, "Paris Pig." It chronicles how Manchester orders a pig from Paris, but when it arrives it turns out to be a plastic pig made in Paris, not a real one.
       "I thought it would be funny to have a pig from Paris," Manchester said. "I like how (pigs) are pink and fat."
       She said she likes reading mystery novels like Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, but also likes swimming and soccer.
       McCaffery said she was thrilled for Manchester to be published, though she said there were many entries that could've been sent along from other students.
       "I think to be successful at such a young age is so encouraging," she said. "For her classmates to see her win this is quite a success."