Local author and teacher Jaclyn Howell’s new children’s novel From Riches to Rags has been awarded Purple Dragonfly Book Awards in three different categories. The Cape Coral author and school teacher aims to help children deal with entitlement and bullying.
The Purple Dragonfly Awards recognize and honor accomplished authors in the field of children’s literature and highlight up-and-coming, newly published authors, and younger published authors.
“I am so honored and excited to win not just one, but three awards and for the opportunity to have my book reach a lot more children and parents,” Howell said.
Judges selected the winners based on content, originality and overall readability. Judges are looking for books that are original, innovative and creative in both content and design.
From Riches to Rags took home the award in three categories: Spiritual/Religious Books, School Issues and for Charity/Making a Difference. All topics are vital parts of Howells new book aimed at children ages 8 and up.
“As a teacher, my life is all about making a difference in children’s lives, helping students with their academic needs and strengthening their weaknesses. As an author, I hope to expand my reach and help more children deal with difficult issues,” Howell said.
The author teaches 3rd and 4th grade in elementary school and says she has seen many children in difficult circumstances, not knowing how to deal with aggression or conflicts.
“I have seen an increase of entitlement, bullying and the need to learn the powerful message of forgiveness. I think there are a lot more broken homes now and many of the kids don’t have their mothers and fathers to guide them, as much as we did when we grew up,” Howell explains.
In the award-winning book, Howell turns the classic rags to riches story on its head. The main character Serene was born with every privilege imaginable, but only finds true fulfillment once she loses it all.
“My message is about how to forgive others and learn to seek others for help and just talk about it. It could be a teacher, a guidance counselor or a pastor from a church. Hopefully, that person listening will help guide them on the right path.”
From Riches to Rags is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other online bookshops.
About the Author
Jaclyn Howell is a Cape Coral teacher who has taught third and fourth grade for over 14 years. She recently released her debut novel ‘From Riches to Rags’, a children’s story from ages 8 and up.
Howell is passionate about helping children deal with difficult situations and learn how to communicate and forgive. She is also an active member of the local church community.
About the Book
‘From Riches to Rags’ turns the tables on the classic from rags to riches story. Serene was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, looks down upon others who has less than her or who don’t meet her standards, feels entitled to get what she desires from others, and gets away with countless bullying antics at school since her father knows what strings to pull to get her out of trouble. Serene needs to be humbled in her world to fill the endless void she is trying to fill. Does she need to lose everything and go from riches to rags to find her purpose in life?
About the Royal Dragonfly Book Award
The Royal Dragonfly and Purple Dragonfly Book Awards are prestigious national book contests recognizing exceptional authors for excellence in writing and publishing. The initiator, Story Monsters LLC is also home to the award-winning Story Monsters Ink® magazine, the literary resource for teachers, librarians, and parents — selected by School Library Journal as one of the best magazines for kid and teens.
