Last week, (W)ink had its very first workshop with 24 students at at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Atlanta’s Vine City neighborhood. After a brainstorming session led by actors dressed in lunch lady, principal, and gym coach garb, each young author was paired 1-on-1 with a volunteer tutor. With thinking caps on and pen (or pencil) to paper, each student began writing a letter to rising sixth graders. 

The letters, stuffed with stories and advice for new kids, will be published in the compilation book, “HEY NEW KID! I Used to be New Here, Too.”  Set for release in May, every student and volunteer will receive their very own copy. Copies of “HEY NEW KID!” will also be kept in the school’s library. 

But before we celebrate kid-authored work with a book signing and reading, there’s a lot of writing to be done. From now until May, kids and tutors are writing and revising to get their letters just so… Next up: Finishing touches during workshop 2, set for Wednesday, April 13. 

Great job, Kennedy middle schoolers, and major props to (W)ink’s awesome tutors!