Columbia siblings share books they wrote with other Richland One students

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Read Across America Day is held on the birthday of famous children’s author Dr. Seuss.

However, Seuss did not publish his first book until age 33. Some Richland One students have already done just that.

Jeremiah Spigner, Co-Author :13-23

Jacob Spigner, Greenview Student :51-59

“We were asked ‘Do you want to write books?’ It was kind of shocking but here we are,” said Jeremiah Spigner, a 7th grade student at W.G. Sanders Middle School.

With the help of their grandmother and author Dr. Katrina Hutchins, brothers Jeremiah and Jacob Spigner co-authored books of their own.

“I shed a little tear. To see your work for the first time is so surreal,” Jeremiah said. “I reminisce on that moment a lot because it’s a great moment in my life.”

Jeremiah read his book to students as part of Greenview Elementary School’s Read Across America Day event. He also explained the inspiration behind his book, titled “I Amplify My Voice.”

“I was bullied and I felt like I wasn’t seen, heard or valued,” he said. “I felt like I was in a situation that was unfair to me.”

Jeremiah’s brother Jacob is a 5th grader at Greenview Elementary and presented his book to classmates, “I Choose My Voice.”

“A lot of the time people don’t want to use their own voice. They think their own voice sounds ugly or they are shy and don’t want to talk at all,” Jacob said. “I just want them to know that they should choose their voice.”

Alongside other authors, the brothers spoke about the writing process.

“Writing the book was fun but getting to see it actually get published was outstanding,” Jacob said. “I can’t even.”

The two boys don’t plan to stop there and have continued to write.

“I wrote a whole speech about making the world cleaner with less pollution by going solar,” Jacob said.

“Everyone has a struggle,” Jeremiah added. “To get through that struggle, they have their outlets.”

Their books are part of a series called “My Voice is Powerful.”