Work together to write an original song!
This program is intended for youth ages 9-15. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Instruments not provided, but bring one from home if you wish!
Attendees will co-create an original song (or two) in a welcoming, fun, all-hands-on-deck songwriting process. Geared towards ages 9-15, all skill levels and abilities are wanted. Do you sing in the shower? Know some guitar riffs? Play piano like Mariah Carey? We'll make room for you, even if you're at the very beginning of your musical journey.
Attendees are encouraged to read the library's Youth A Novel Idea selection, Hope in the Valley, by Matali Perkins before the workshop. This is not required however, so please join if at all interested!
About the Instructor: Ian Carrick is a songwriter, K-8 music teacher, and community builder who loves helping young people find their voice and creatively express themselves. In his free time, Ian loves to play fiddle and hang out with his two kiddos.
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2026 A Novel Idea Youth Edition
Hope in the Valley is a middle-grade novel exploring grief, friendship, family, and growing up in a community facing a housing crisis.
Twelve-year-old Indian-American Pandita Paul doesn't like change. She's not ready to start middle school and leave the comforts of childhood behind. Most of all, Pandita doesn't want to feel like she's leaving her mother, who died a few years ago, behind. After a falling out with her best friend, Pandita is planning to spend most of her summer break reading and writing in her favorite secret space: the abandoned but majestic mansion across the street. But then the unthinkable happens. The town announces that the old home will be bulldozed in favor of new—maybe affordable—housing. With her family on opposing sides of the issue, Pandita must find her voice—and the strength to move on—in order to give her community hope.
About the Author
Mitali Perkins has written many books for young readers, all of which explore crossing different kinds of borders. Her goal is to make readers laugh or cry, preferably both, as long as their hearts are widening. She lives and writes in the East Bay.
Learn more about A Novel Idea
Questions? Contact elsah@deschuteslibrary.org, 541-312-1062
AGE GROUP: | Middle School Age | High School Age | Elementary School Age |
EVENT TYPE: | Children's Program |
The Sisters Library features 8,300 square feet of space, all housed in an exterior design that includes a partial wraparound porch with the Western appearance for which Sisters is famous.
