By Jenny Tran
In the heart of Melbourne’s west, a group of exceptional young minds from Williamstown Primary School, Newport Lakes Primary, and Kingsville Primary School have combined their creative forces to produce a unique anthology. Write Fight Flee! transcends the definition of a book; it is a testament to the boundless creativity and talent that thrives within our local community.
This captivating publication, now in its twelfth edition, is the result of 100 Story Building’s Early Harvest youth publishing program — an annual initiative that produces Australia’s only anthology written and edited by, with and for young people aged 10 – 12. The annual publication presents a collection of short stories, authored by primary school students and thoughtfully edited by their peers in the upper primary grades.
The real magic of Write Fight Flee! lies within the dedicated young editors who serve on the program’s editorial committee. These budding literary enthusiasts read every submission, offering constructive feedback and making the creative decisions necessary to curate an anthology filled with stories of adventure and intrigue.
‘I liked learning about how things work being a part of making a book,’ says Mary, one of the 2023 editors. ‘You have to make big decisions. And you can’t be scared to share your ideas.’
‘I learned that everyone has different opinions but they can still agree on one answer and one new idea’ says Luna, another 2023 editor.
Mat Williamson, a 2020-2023 Early Harvest Partner teacher, sums it up. ‘Having the chance to be part of a published book is an experience that is unlike anything else we can offer.’
The Early Harvest program has been developed and delivered by the team at 100 Story Building, a Footscray-based not-for-profit social enterprise that has supported more than 40,000 young people across Victoria. On a mission to ensure that all children have access to creative experience and expression, 100 Story Building has a toolbox of strategies, approaches and resources to engage children and young people in writing.
For primary schools in the local area interested in registering for the 2024 Early Harvest program head to www.100storybuilding.org.au/early-harvest.
Write Fight Flee! can be purchased from www.100storybuilding.org.au/early-harvest or The Younger Sun, Book and Paper, Readings, Collins Books, Mighty Ape, Big W stores and online via Booktopia.
