RHINELANDER - Beating out a sea of writers across the country one local woman's creativity is now published in a book to help fight illiteracy.

Over 3,000 writers in the Nation put their creativity down on paper hoping to win the chance of a lifetime. Rhinelander's Susie Sawyer was not only chosen but she won the entire competition.


Susie Sawyer, a mother of three, is reading her poem she wrote entitled, "Ask Yourself a Question."

This is the poem that got her national recognition and is now featured in the book "Say Good Night to Illiteracy."

An illustrated book featuring 20 stories to help break the cycle of illiteracy.
Author Susie Sawyer says, "Children asking questions is kind of something the adults will appreciate too. They'll read the lists of questions I made up and think where does outer space begin? Why do chickens come in colors when all eggs have yellow yolks? Silly questions that only a child really thinks of."

Susie says she submitted her poem on a whim and is excited to have children across the country reading it.

She says the key to knowing anything is learning how to read. Sawyer says, "My poem is out there in the hands of little children across the Country with their mom having a nice moment together reading my poem. Maybe having a smile about it and spending some quality time together."

In order to earn money to help fight illiteracy, every year "Half Price Books" puts out childrens bedtime story books.

All the proceeds go towards the National Center for Family Literacy. Last year the organization raised over $30,000.

Susie Sawyer says this is the first time her work has been published in a book.

She hopes to publish her own picture book next year.

If you want to buy the book "Say Good Night to Illiteracy" online go to: www.halfpricebooks.com/say_goodnight.html