NewsStudent LifeAcademicsEnglish
Two win One Book essay contest
Sep 11, 2008 12:00 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Sophomore Chelsea Winfrey and junior Cole Daniel were named Darlington’s winners of the One Book/Many Voices essay contest sponsored by the Rome News-Tribune. The contest is one of many ways community members are being encouraged to read and discuss Sherman Alexie’s best-selling memoir, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.”
As a winner, Winfrey and Daniel will receive signed copies of the book and will be invited to meet Alexie when he speaks at Pepperell High School on Sept. 18.
“When I found out that I was a winner, I was surprised but more ecstatic because I was going to be recognized in the Rome community and also have the opportunity to meet the famous author of this great book,” Winfrey said. “The thing I liked most about the book was that Sherman Alexie expressed his life truthfully. He is a great voice to all ages. I am looking forward to meeting him because I can relate to him in a way and I can receive great advice. Also, I am meeting a well-known author, which I think is cool!”
Daniel said he, too, was surprised when he found out he was selected as one of the winners, and is very excited about meeting the author in person later this month.
"I liked this book because it made a good connection with my English III class about the Voice of an American ... Most of all, though, I loved that it was about a kid on a reservation in Spokane, Wash., because I have family who live in that town," he said. "I am excited to meet Mr. Alexie because he has become an inspiration to me, especially as I continue to write my own novel. This is the first time I am able to meet someone famous face-to-face, and I cannot wait."
In his first book for young adults, Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist who leaves his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white high school. This heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written tale, coupled with poignant drawings that reflect the character’s art, is based on the author’s own experiences and chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he seems destined to live.
Modeled after similar initiatives throughout the nation, One Book/Many Voices is designed to encourage reading, spark discussion and bring the community together through the reading of one great book. Organizers encourage local book clubs, schools, civic organizations and churches to host opportunities for discussion.
Click here to read the full text of Chelsea Winfrey’s winning essay. She is the daughter of Angela Winfrey of Morrow, Ga., and Richard Winfrey of Atlanta. Click here to read the full text of Cole Daniel's essay. He is the son of Kim and Tuffy Daniel of Kennesaw, Ga.
As a winner, Winfrey and Daniel will receive signed copies of the book and will be invited to meet Alexie when he speaks at Pepperell High School on Sept. 18.
“When I found out that I was a winner, I was surprised but more ecstatic because I was going to be recognized in the Rome community and also have the opportunity to meet the famous author of this great book,” Winfrey said. “The thing I liked most about the book was that Sherman Alexie expressed his life truthfully. He is a great voice to all ages. I am looking forward to meeting him because I can relate to him in a way and I can receive great advice. Also, I am meeting a well-known author, which I think is cool!”
Daniel said he, too, was surprised when he found out he was selected as one of the winners, and is very excited about meeting the author in person later this month.
"I liked this book because it made a good connection with my English III class about the Voice of an American ... Most of all, though, I loved that it was about a kid on a reservation in Spokane, Wash., because I have family who live in that town," he said. "I am excited to meet Mr. Alexie because he has become an inspiration to me, especially as I continue to write my own novel. This is the first time I am able to meet someone famous face-to-face, and I cannot wait."
In his first book for young adults, Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist who leaves his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white high school. This heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written tale, coupled with poignant drawings that reflect the character’s art, is based on the author’s own experiences and chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he seems destined to live.
Modeled after similar initiatives throughout the nation, One Book/Many Voices is designed to encourage reading, spark discussion and bring the community together through the reading of one great book. Organizers encourage local book clubs, schools, civic organizations and churches to host opportunities for discussion.
Click here to read the full text of Chelsea Winfrey’s winning essay. She is the daughter of Angela Winfrey of Morrow, Ga., and Richard Winfrey of Atlanta. Click here to read the full text of Cole Daniel's essay. He is the son of Kim and Tuffy Daniel of Kennesaw, Ga.
