Reminder: Scriber Lake High’s latest book is out; reading set for Feb. 5

Representatives of the Edmonds Daybreakers Rotary Club present a check to Scriber Lake High School teacher Marjie Bowker, center, originator the the Scriber Lake book project. The contribution will help support an upcoming theatrical presentation of the students’ autobiographical stories. From left, Daybreaker member Brad Thomas, student author Jenna Jensen, Bowker, student author Joey Walker, Daybreaker member Jim Blossey.

Seven years, seven books. And every one of them a success.

In 2011, Scriber Lake High School teacher Marjie Bowker began what was to be a one-time experiment. She and her writing class decided to publish a paperback book of 14 student-written autobiographical stories.

It wasn’t easy. Every one of the young authors had background problems such as depression, anxiety, failure, addiction, sexual abuse, and even suicide, and — as hard as it was — they wrote about their experiences for all the world to see.

In the cover notes of that first book, teacher Bowker said, “By writing and sharing their stories, they are coping with their past and seizing their future.

“They are also reaching out to other teenagers—to let them know that they are not alone and that … they have the power within themselves to make it better.”

The seventh in the series is out now, entitled Listen: Young Writers Reflect on Chaos, Clarity, Action, Balance. It debuts with readings by this year’s young authors on Tuesday evening, Feb. 5 at Café Louvre – 210 5th Ave. S. in Edmonds. Admission is free.

Brad Thomas, the Youth Services chair for the Edmonds Daybreakers Rotary Club, said, “The Daybreakers have contributed to the presentation of every one of the books. It is one of the most worthwhile things we do.”

On Saturday, Feb. 16, the students will once again present readings from the book along with original music by student musicians at Edmonds Lutheran Church – 23525 84th Ave. W.

A few weeks down the road they will be part of a theatrical presentation of their stories, tentatively planned for the Phoenix Theatre in Firdale Village. The dates are not yet finalized, but will be announced soon, said Bowker.

  1. Just learned that this extremely informative event is rescheduled for February12th, same time and place. Due to our snow, the School District is closed today.

  2. Scriber staff received an email from Principal Andrea Hillman on the evening of February 4 informing us that the reading at Cafe Louvre will be rescheduled for Tuesday, February 12, due to weather. I am not an official spokesperson, just the office manager at Scriber, but I would not want people to travel only to be disappointed.

  3. Hi

    How pleased I was to read that the new book is out already by Scriber School kid’s authors. Also pleased the date got changed to February 12th.

    Thank you My Edmonds News for keeping our city informed daily. I will buy a copy of the book for myself and encourage my friends to come with me to the reading. Scriber Lake School has done so much for kids that have not been successful or happy in other schools. The teachers, counselors and principal go the extra mile – Fred who is the custodian is much more than just a custodian. It takes a village and Scriber is a secure and loving village.
    Carolynne

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