As the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, Scholastic has published some incredibly popular and critically-acclaimed titles, such as series like Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Captain Underpants. But today we are proud to say we’ve published a new, outstanding book for a very special aspiring young writer: The Ruby Heart, by fifteen-year-old Stephanie from Maple Valley, Washington.

Stephanie has an incredible story; she is currently fighting an ongoing battle with brain cancer, and she wrote The Ruby Heart while undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.  Stephanie loves to read and write, and just like some of her favorite books – Eragon, The Hunger Games, and Percy Jackson—The Ruby Heart is a fantasy novel set in a mythical world.  She’s always dreamed of becoming a published author, and now it’s official: she is.

Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington, the nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions, has partnered with Scholastic editors Arthur A. Levine and Cheryl Klein to edit, design and publish 300 copies of Stephanie’s book. “Stephanie is an inspiration to anyone who hopes and dreams of being a writer. No one could have faced more obstacles to completing this novel – and yet she kept at it no matter how difficult the going became,” said Arthur A. Levine, VP, Publisher Arthur A. Levine Books at Scholastic. “Stephanie joined her passion for the books she’s read, with a deep commitment to and love for the story she wanted to tell. And the result is not only something she can be proud of, but something that should inspire all of us who live and work to create books that make a difference in young people’s lives.”

On Tuesday, September 25^th, Stephanie will be presented with the finished book at a Seattle Barnes & Noble. She’ll read excerpts from the novel to family and friends at a private reception, followed by a book signing.

If you’re in the Seattle area and would like to help cheer on Stephanie at her signing, please do! The first 250 people will receive a free copy of her book, The Ruby Heart. Guests are encouraged to RSVP to the book signing via the Facebook Event page.

WHEN & WHERE:
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
6-7 p.m. Book signing
Pacific Place Barnes & Noble located in downtown Seattle at 600 Pine Street, Seattle, 98101

Congratulations, Stephanie!

UPDATE: You can watch a beautiful, moving video of Stephanie’s story right here, thanks to MSN.