Jacob and Jeremiah Spigner have always enjoyed writing, whether it’s for fun or for a class assignment, but the brothers never thought they would be authors at young ages. When they saw their books were published, they couldn’t believe it.
“I shed a little tear. To see your work for the first time, it’s something so surreal. I reminisce on that moment a lot because it’s a great moment in my life,” said Jeremiah, a seventh-grade student at W.G. Sanders Middle School and the co-author of “I Amplify My Voice.”
“Writing the book was fun but getting to see that it actually got published and that other people can see it too was so outstanding,” said Jacob, a fifth-grade student at A.J.
Lewis Greenview Elementary School and the co-author of “I Choose My Voice.”
The books are part of the “My Voice is Powerful” book series, which were released in 2022. The book series encourages students to speak up and
ensures them that their voice matters. All seven books were co-authored by students in the Voice Leadership Camp for boys and girls. Each book is tailored to the author’s interests and what they’ve seen in their schools.
Jeremiah says music helped inspire him because he says music and voice go hand in hand.
“There’s a lot of vocal
message to people that are in my everyday life. Every time I see them, they’ll probably remember that. That made an impact,” he said.
Jeremiah, who also attended Greenview, says coming back to his elementary school helped get his book’s message across to others.
“It was a good experience because I wanted to be able to do what this book’s purpose was for – to get across that amplification is key and
choosing your voice is important,” he said.
The brothers say they want young students who read their books to know that what they say is important.
“If they don’t feel like they have a say, they should feel that they do because you always have a say in whatever you’re involved in,” Jacob said.
To purchase Jacob and Jeremiah’s books, visit https:// www.mvipbooks.com
The Richland Library Friends and Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Ethel Bolden Minority Fellowship. This year, Friends and Foundation is proud to announce that there will be two fellowships awarded.
The $3,500 fellowship encourages and provides support to students from underserved and underrepresented ethnic and racial groups who are working toward an undergraduate or graduate degree (within varying fields of studies) at any university or college in South Carolina. They must also express an interest in working at Richland Library.
A printable form is available on the Richland Library website, detailing specific eligibility, application requirements and required documents. Application submissions are currently open. All required forms must be postmarked by Tuesday, April
