Middle-school student publishes book
Posted on Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Holly Rodgers was only 6 years old when her grandmother died but she remembered it well enough to write a book at the age of 9. Now at 11 years old, Holly Rodgers is a published author who loves to share her story with younger students.
"I grew up playing Cinderella at my grandma's house," Holly wrote. Like most 6-year-old girls, Holly liked being Cinderella. Her grandfather was always the prince and that left the part of the ugly stepsister to her grandmother.
"Like all grandmas, she would take the worst part," Holly wrote. "It's just what grandmas do."
She remembers the day they found out her grandmother had cancer; she remembers that the medicine seemed to make her sicker. The family moved a hospital bed into the dining room and visited often.
She also remembers the last time she saw her grandmother and how her grandfather told her of their last conversation. Holly's family returned to the house just after her grandmother died.
It was Holly's mother, Tammy Rodgers, who told her God was rolling out the red carpet for Holly's grandmother, so when Holly saw the red cover used by the undertakers, she knew her mother was right.
"If someone you love dies of cancer or any sickness," she concludes her story," just think of a fairy tale like'Cinderella'or'Snow White. ' It will make you feel better because with God you can live happily ever after."
A couple of years later, Tammy realized her daughter was a talented writer. She suggested that Holly, who was then 9 years old, write about her grandmother's death. Holly's brother, Gavin, illustrated the story. It was a family project, Tammy said.
Later she heard about a
Holly read the story for an audio version that also includes a song Tammy wrote for her mother. When a local kindergarten class heard the audio version, every child in the class had their own story of death and dying, Tammy said.
One dollar from each book sold will be donated to HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Excel ), an organization that helped Holly's grandmother.
The book is available from Tate Publishing and at several local bookstores. Holly will be signing copies of the book at Hastings Book Store in Springdale from noon to 3 p.m. on Oct. 18.
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