May 10, 2018
AGBU Western District is pleased to announce a Children’s Book Club Writing Contest, featuring author Laura Michael’s new children’s book titled Under the Light of the Moon, set in 1924 at the end of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey. It is a story of hope and survival during a dark time in world history. The contest is intended to target early education about the Genocide, encourage discussion among the younger population regarding heroism, and assist parents who may have questions about how to start the discussion with their own children about the Genocide.
In 2016, the California State Board of Education adopted a new social studies curriculum, making it a requirement to teach high school students about human rights violations and genocides, including the Armenian Genocide. This contest targets an even younger audience with age-appropriate reading.
“As one of the leading Armenian organizations dedicated to ensuring the survival of the Armenian nation following the Genocide, it is our duty to educate all youth around the world about this tragic crime against humanity. Educating the youth from an early age, is the only way we will stop history from repeating itself,” says AGBU Western District Chair, Talin Yacoubian.
Laura Michael is an Armenian-American activist, educator and writer. Laura’s work has been published in the Armenian Weekly newspaper and she is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators. Laura is no stranger to AGBU, as she used to be the AGBU Young Professionals Boston Chair and committee member for several years.
AGBU Western District is excited to partner with Laura Michael to promote her new book and engage children in this thought-provoking writing contest for all 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. The contest is open to all students regardless of their ethnic background.
Complete contest rules and a link to purchase the book will be published on www.agbuwd.org/bookcontest.
Contest winners will be announced in September. One winner will be selected from each grade category. Each winner will walk away with a grand prize, which will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Please use the contest registration form on www.agbuwd.org/bookcontest to upload your entry. If you prefer to send your entry by mail, please send to:
AGBU Children’s Book Club Writing Contest
2495 East Mountain St., Pasadena, CA 91104.
All entries must be received by 5:00 pm Pacific Time on Friday, August 24th.
For questions or concerns, please contact Contest Coordinator, Suzy Sargsyan at contest@agbuca.org.