Trying to Fit In
Written and illustrated by Brooke Bemowski

Robert A. Millikan High School- Long Beach, California

Brooke Bemowski of Robert A. Millikan High School, was selected as the first-place winner of the 2010 Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge in Los Angeles. In addition to the publication and distribution of her book, Brooke will receive a $5,000 scholarship, which she will use toward her collegiate studies this fall – she plans to be a teacher.

Trying to Fit In features Pete the Puzzle Piece’s difficult quest to make friends in a new town. As he travels, Pete is not accepted by anyone, until the Puzzletons attend the “Puzzle Peace Party” where everyone works together and Pete fits perfectly into a heart-shape puzzle art. Pete is finally accepted as part of the group.

Danna the Dandalion

Written by Vivian Se,
Illustrated by Michelle Seo

Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy- Harbor City, California

Nippers

Written and illustrated by Alexis Benavidez

Northridge Academy High School- Northridge, California

Luke and His Stripes

Written and illustrated
by Eric Ruleman
and Brett Wagner

Germantown High School – Germantown, Tennessee

Amelia Ladybug Learns a Lesson
Written and illustrated
by Emily Harrison

Germantown High School-Germantown, Tennessee

A Tale of Two Soap Cities

Written by Oliver Lee, Illustrated by Reisha Cadelina
Townsend Harris High School- Flushing, New York

Oliver Lee and Reisha Cadelina of Townsend Harris High School, were selected as the first-place winners of the 2010 Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge in New York. In addition to the publication and distribution of their book, both will share a $5,000 scholarship, which will be used toward their collegiate studies.

A Tale of Two Soap Cities tells the tale of Aaron, who discovers that people have more traits in common than differences. The story begins with Aaron’s refusal to eat red vegetables; he will only eat green. Aaron then climbs into the hole of his bathtub and notices fighting between green and red “soapians” and concludes that both have more in common with each other than not. Peace finally comes to the soapians and they unite together with just enough time for Aaron to go home and eat a range of colorful veggies.

The New Kid

Written and illustrated
by Erica Chan and
Edith Koci

Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts- Manhattan, New York

Zubayda and the Play
Written by Alicia Holland, Illustrated by Mahajabin Rahman

Bronx High School of Science – Elmherst, New York

A Color for Consuelo

Written and illustrated by Amanda Rothbauer, Alice Frederick,
Emil Suire, and Ellen Marie Andrews

Keystone School- San Antonio, Texas

Amanda Rothbauer, Alice Frederick, Emil Suire, and Ellen Marie Andrews, freshmen at Keystone School, were selected as the first-place winners of the 2010 Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge in San Antonio. Their book was published in both English and Spanish versions and will be distributed to elementary schools and libraries throughout their community.  The winners will also share a $5,000 scholarship.
   
A Color for Consuelo features Consuelo the Chameleon and his quest to differentiate himself from his clan of Chameleons. Along the way, Consuelo travels to many places in search of finding different clans, yet discovers difficulty in becoming something different. Consuelo returns to his Chameleon clan to learn the lesson that one does not have to be different, but can find acceptance by being one’s self.

Brian’s Picture Notebook

Written and illustrated by Doris Kisel, Aubrey Cruz, and Margarita Akopian

Louis D. Brandeis High School- San Antonio, Texas

The Mobots

Written and illustrated by Chance Baumann and Neil Redfield

John Jay Science and Engineering Academy- San Antonio, Texas