St. Louis, Mo.,- Colt Davis, a sixth grader at Arendell Parrott Academy, has had his historical family story selected for publication in the eighteenth annual collection published by The Grannie Annie Family Story Celebration. The selected story will be published on The Grannie Annie's website (www.TheGrannieAnnie.org) and as a free PDF. It will also be shared in social media sometime in the coming year. 

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in St. Louis, The Grannie Annie invites students in U.S. grades 4 through 8, and homeschooled and international students of comparable ages, to interview their older relatives and write about something interesting they discover from their family's history. 

Colt's story, titled "Teacher for Life," tells about his great-grandmother, who fled the Nazi invasion of northern Africa. She traveled widely and spoke eight languages, several of which she taught. She was an avid supporter of lifelong learning, and many of her pupils became her lifelong friends.

The sixteen stories in The Grannie Annie's eighteenth collection represent the 155 submissions received this year from young authors in five U.S. states. The published stories took place on three continents and on two islands over a span of nearly one hundred years. Some stories involve historic events; others vividly depict everyday life from earlier times. Many stories show family members seeking a better life — perhaps struggling simply to survive — and trying to improve the lives of others. Readers can draw enjoyment and inspiration from these stories, each of which has a definite connection to our own experience in today's world.

"Writing for a wide audience — on a topic of personal interest — can be very motivating for young writers," said Connie McIntyre, Executive Director of The Grannie Annie. "And the remarkable family stories that are captured benefit not only the students, but also their family members, their teachers, and others who are fortunate enough to read them."

Complete details about The Grannie Annie, as well as the 555 stories published throughout the years, can be found at www.TheGrannieAnnie.org. There is no submission fee, and stories can be submitted at any time. Stories submitted by February 1, 2024, will be considered for publication in The Grannie Annie's nineteenth collection. 

Fran Hamilton, Associate Director 
The Grannie Annie Family Story Celebration
Publishing historical family stories written and illustrated by young people
http://www.TheGrannieAnnie.org
636-527-2822