In the fall of 2012, a group of 7th and 8th grade students from Mitchell School set out on a very ambitious journey: in ten short weeks, they would conceptualize, write, edit, polish, and finally publish their own memoirs. The task was a challenging one, but Open Books staff members and a tireless cadre of volunteer literacy coaches supported the students throughout. Ultimately, 21 students were transformed into published authors.
The students sought inspiration for these memoirs from You DonÕt Know Me by David Klass. Their project was to write a memoir about a piece of their lives that showcased their identity. In these pages, they share experiences that have made a big impact on who they are.