Daron Letts
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (June 27/05) - It's a project Gabrielle Stanton has wanted to introduce in her Grade 8 Inukshuk school English class for a long time.

The Iqaluit teenage writers wrote, designed and published the book A-counts: unleashing an array of accomplished adolescent authors.

"The students went through the whole process - from the initial brainstorming to the publishing that put their book in print," Stanton said.

All the students contributed a story or two except for one student who chose to express himself through poetry.

The process, which began in May, involved writing three drafts.

Stanton and some parent volunteers supervised the editing.

The topics students wrote about include video gaming, friendship, bullying and piloting a Twin Otter.

Students Andrea Omilgoitok, Mary Rose Dashfield and Amelia Lewis developed the cover art. Their concept was to take an idea from each story, in consultation with the authors, then work it into the design.

Akhaliak Promotional Products and Printing Services in Iqaluit helped out with the costs. Students also contacted other businesses for fundraising.

Students will divide any profit from the $10 book between the Nunavut Literacy Council and the school library.