Rising Authors: Jazmine Williams, Castlemont Elementary School

The ninth annual includes 13 students from throughout the district.

Jazmine Williams is the Castlemont Elementary School winner, with her book, Being Free.

Campbell Patch asked seven questions of the elementary school student and here is what she had to say.

Campbell Patch: Why do you like to write?

Jazmine Williams: I like to write because it's fun and a great way to tell about your feelings without hiding them in a diary or speaking them with words... just put them in a poem!

Patch: What do you like to write about?

Jazmine: I love to write about the seasons, and how things look, and how I feel at the moment.

Patch: What is your favorite book?

Jazmine: My favorite book has to be The Last Hero by Rick Riordan. I love the whole Percy Jackson collection... but that has to be my favorite!

Patch: Do you have a favorite character? What do you like about them?

Jazmine: I love Piper from The Last Hero because she's a strong female main character and she is really inspiring to me.

Patch: Do you have a favorite author? What do you like about them?

Jazmine: My favorite author is Rick Riordan because he writes great books including my favorite series, Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief. 

Patch: What is your book about?

Jazmine: My poem is about how a rainy day can be tons of fun. It can make you feel like you can be anything and make you feel free!

Patch: Why is writing important to you?

Jazmine: Writing is important to me because it lets me imagine things that I haven't thought about before.

Excerpt of Being Free is under photos to the right.

To read, vote on and purchase this book, visit this site.

The award ceremony takes place Nov. 9, 7:00 p.m. at Barnes & Noble in the Pruneyard.