By Taylor Ware “I signed up for service-learning because it was an opportunity to do something good. I never thought I would end up a published author,” said junior Missouri State student, Sarah Hinkson. Last spring, Sarah took part in the National Literacy Project in its mission to provide reading and writing resources to children and families. Being a theater major and a Spanish minor, Sarah developed the perfect idea to combine her educational background and desire to support literacy. I signed up for service-learning because it was an opportunity to do something good. I never thought I would end up a published author These factors lead to Príncipe Alejandro; an original children’s book featuring both English and Spanish translations of the story. Príncipe Alejandro is about a little boy that faces adversity in his attempts to socialize with the other kids in his school. Sarah wrote this book to show children that they are not alone in their challenges with social identity. Alejandro is inspired by a real person: the child of Sarah’s high school theater teacher. … [Read more...] about Service-learning to self-publishing: student works to improve child literacy and cultural competence