Lexington County schools are not only growing readers but published authors.

A dream has become reality for Cayce Elementary’s Daniel Allen and Dutch Fork Middle’s Kylie Pittman.

The Lexington 2 school has launched “Books for Cayce Kids by Cayce Kids,” an initiative to professionally publish books written by students.

The goal is to print enough of each book so that all of the school’s roughly 35 classrooms can have a copy to read and enjoy.

The 1st published book, was written by 5th-grader Daniel Allen. “Daniel Versus the Dinosaurs” is a story about dinosaurs coming back to earth. Daniel and his friends must learn to navigate a strange new world.

Allen wrote the book as part of his fictional writing unit in 5th-grade teacher Nina Sullivan’s class. Art class students drew illustrations for the book.

Pittman, an 8th-grade student published her 1st book, “Turtle Trouble: A Timmy Turtle Story.” It is a story about a turtle who was scared of the water and has to overcome his fear.

“I wrote a book originally for my little brother and I decided that I wanted to publish it,” Pittman said. “The reason why I decided to continue writing is because of my 7th grade ELA teacher Mrs. Snyder. While I was in her class we had to write a book for little kids and that made me want to write more.”

“My goal with my book is to help kids learn valuable lessons such as overcoming a fear or being yourself. I hope my books help kids enjoy reading.”

For more information on Kylie’s book visit: https:// amzn.to/2PAZgFe.

At least 2 more books are in the works to be published this school year, according to Cayce Elementary Principal Andrew Drozdak. He hopes to continue the program next year and possibly expand it to other grade levels.

Book signings and readings also are planned.