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Franklin the Helper® Student Author Pathway
About the Student Author Pathway
The Franklin the Helper® Student Author Pathway is an authorship experience designed to help students move from developing an original story to editorial development, Amazon publication, continued mentorship, and long-term growth as young authors.
The Pathway begins with a Writing Workshop hosted on the participating school’s campus. Schools select students who have a strong interest in writing, storytelling, and the opportunity to become published authors. During the workshop, students develop an original story framework. Every eligible completed story is then reviewed through a defined Fellowship selection process.
Students invited into the Pathway Fellowship continue through the pathway that includes editorial development, Amazon publication, a Student Author Book Reveal Celebration, mentorship, and continued author growth.
The Pathway also gives schools the opportunity to build a visible culture of student authorship and earn annual recognition through the School Pathway Recognition program. As schools host additional workshops and create more opportunities for students to experience authorship, they progress toward recognition levels that celebrate their commitment to student authorship and increase visibility with parents, the community, and district leaders. Schools that reach the highest recognition level receive a Premier Author Campus Banner to display on campus as a visible symbol of their achievement and commitment to developing student authors.
The workshop fee is $600 per workshop and may be paid directly by the district or covered through sponsorship funding secured by Franklin the Helper® Children’s Books, LLC. As an approved vendor in several school districts, Franklin the Helper® Children’s Books, LLC can work directly with participating districts through their established purchasing and payment processes.
Pathway Details
A Rare Opportunity ...
The Franklin the Helper® Student Author Pathway gives students the opportunity to see their ideas treated as valuable beyond the classroom.
Students are not simply completing an assignment. They are developing original stories, experiencing authorship, and gaining opportunities to continue growing as young writers through Fellowship, publication, and mentorship.
1. Writing Workshop
Students participate in an approximately three-hour, hands-on writing experience where they develop and organize an original story framework.
2. Fellowship Opportunity
Every eligible completed story moves through the Pathway Fellowship selection process:
Eligibility Criteria → Story Selection Rubric → Comparative Review → Fellowship Committee Deliberation
Up to five students may receive Fellowship invitations following each workshop.
3. Editorial Development
Students invited into the Pathway Fellow receive one-to-one editorial development to strengthen and prepare their stories for publication.
4. Amazon Publication
Pathway Fellows receive publishing support through Franklin the Helper® Children’s Books, LLC, culminating in publication on Amazon.
5. Student Author Book Reveal Celebration
Published Pathway Fellows are celebrated through a Book Reveal designed to recognize their achievement and introduce their published work to family, school, and community supporters.
Led by Published Authors and Youth Empowerment Leaders
The Franklin the Helper® Student Author Pathway is led by published author Franklin Edwards and his mother, educational advocate Demetré Bivins.
Franklin Edwards is the author of 22 books and the founder of Franklin the Helper® Children’s Books, LLC, established in April 2021. As a published author, youth inspiration, workshop facilitator, and creative visionary, Franklin helps students develop their ideas while encouraging them to recognize the value of their creativity, voice, and potential.
Demetré Bivins is a published author, educational advocate, and founder of Students Combating Bullying Connection, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on youth empowerment and social-emotional growth. As the program architect, publishing strategist, operations and partnership leader, and educational implementation specialist behind the Franklin the Helper® Student Author Pathway, Demetré helps guide the structure, growth, and community impact of the experience.
Together, they have created a unique authorship experience that introduces students to creativity, writing, publication, mentorship, and real-world opportunities. Students do not simply participate in a workshop. They are encouraged to see themselves as creators, future leaders, and young authors whose ideas can make an impact beyond the classroom.
From Workshop to Published Author. More authors on the way…
Author Eduardo Espinosa
Eduardo Espinosa
6th Grade Student | De Zavala Middle School, Irving ISD | Workshop sponsored by Microsoft
Eduardo’s book, Charge City, was selected for publication for its clear structure, originality, and engaging storyline. His work demonstrates a strong ability to develop an idea into a cohesive and compelling book.
Author Aubrey Bellah
Aubrey Bellah
6th Grade Student | De Zavala Middle School, Irving ISD | Workshop sponsored by Microsoft
Aubrey’s book, The Kingdom of Periodic Elements Crisis, was selected for publication based on the strength of its story framework and creative concept. Her work reflects strong structure, imagination, and the ability to bring complex ideas to life through storytelling.
Author Jayden Hooper
Jayden Hall 8th Grade Student | Royce West Leadership Academy, Dallas ISD | Workshop sponsored by The Legacy Group, McDonald's
When Silence Speaks is a heartfelt story about James, a quiet sixth-grade boy who often keeps his thoughts and feelings to himself. As he moves through the challenges of school, friendship, self-doubt, and growing up, James begins to learn that being quiet does not mean being weak.
With the support of true friendship and moments that push him outside of his comfort zone, James discovers that his voice matters, even when it takes time to find the courage to use it.
Written by student author Jayden Hooper, When Silence Speaks encourages young readers to believe in themselves, value real friendships, and understand that confidence can grow one brave moment at a time.
Author Allisson Solis Mejia
Allisson Mejia| 8th Grade Student | Todd Middle School, Dallas ISD| Workshop Sponsored by Microsoft
Starting a new school year should have been exciting, but loneliness, hurtful rumors, and feelings of not belonging make the journey much harder than expected. Through prayer, encouragement from loved ones, and the kindness of unexpected friends, one young girl discovers that her worth is not determined by what others say about her, but by God's unchanging love.
Author Michael Cagle
Michael Cagle| 7th Grade Student | Rodriguez School, Lewisville ISD| Workshop Sponsored by New York Life
The Rooms is a suspenseful sci-fi adventure about Mike King, a 12-year-old boy who suddenly finds himself trapped in a series of mysterious rooms where nothing is quite what it seems. With danger around every corner and a strange creature pursuing him, Mike must search for clues, make difficult choices, and find a way back home.
As the rooms test his courage and force him to face the consequences of his actions, Mike discovers that escaping may require more than finding the right door. It may require him to change the way he sees himself, his family, and the choices he makes.
Author Logan Foster
Logan| Foster 10th Grade Student | Frederick D. Haynes, III Global Academy, Dallas ISD | Workshop sponsored by Shirley Strauss Memory Fund
In this deeply personal memoir, fifteen-year-old Logan Foster shares the story of growing up with the unwavering love of her grandfather, the man who became her greatest source of strength, stability, and hope. Through moments of joy, heartbreaking loss, unanswered questions, and difficult choices, Logan discovers that family is not defined only by blood, but by the people who choose to love you every single day.
With honesty beyond her years, Logan invites readers into her journey of grief, healing, faith, and resilience. The Love That Raised Me is a powerful reminder that even after loss, the love that shapes us never truly leaves us. It continues to guide us, strengthen us, and help us become who we are meant to be.
Selected Pathway Fellows
Taylor Comeaux|5th Grade|Mary Marek Elementary, Alvin ISD | Workshop sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
Analise Johnson has always dreamed of becoming a champion horseback rider, but the one companion who has believed in her every step of the way is her loyal dog, Biscuit. From early morning chores on the family farm to racing beside her horse through open fields, Biscuit is more than a pet. He is family.
When Biscuit becomes seriously ill, Analise is forced to face a heartbreaking loss she never saw coming. Angry, confused, and struggling to move forward, she wonders if life will ever feel the same again.
As time passes, the memories of her faithful friend become the very thing that gives her the courage to keep riding, keep believing, and keep chasing the dream they once shared.
Still Beside Me is a touching story about love, grief, resilience, and discovering that the people and pets who shape our hearts never truly leave us. Sometimes, they remain beside us in the memories that inspire us to become who we were always meant to be.
This reflects the story's progression from Biscuit's companionship, through his loss, to the way his memory inspires Analise to pursue horseback riding and ultimately achieve her dream.
Neilhany Ramos| 12th Grade Student | IDEA Brackenridge, San Antonio, TX | Workshop sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
Through raw honesty, vivid imagery, and an unmistakably personal voice, Neilhany V. Ramos explores the complexities of growing up, loving deeply, confronting pain, and learning to heal. Her poems move through themes of identity, mental health, chronic illness, family, love, heartbreak, and self-acceptance. Unafraid to write about difficult emotions, Neilhany transforms personal experiences into poetry that is vulnerable, intense, and reflective. Her work invites readers into the mind and heart of a young writer discovering that healing does not erase the past, but it can shape who we become.
Kayella Amaya| 3rd Grade Student | IDEA Brackenridge, San Antonio, TX | Workshop sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield
Keyella’s lighthearted story introduces readers to Laughter, a fun and memorable character who brings joy to every page. Through imagination, humor, and creativity, Keyella reminds readers of the happiness that laughter can bring and the importance of finding moments of joy in everyday life.
Zi'Kirya Hall 10th Grade Student | Frederick D. Haynes, III Global Academy, Dallas ISD | Workshop supported by New York Life
Zi’Kirya’s story, centered around a high school basketball player navigating challenges through perseverance and faith, was selected for publication based on the strength of its message and emotional impact.
Her work stood out for its ability to highlight resilience, discipline, and the role of faith in overcoming adversity—both on and off the court. Through her storytelling, she captured the reality of facing obstacles while continuing to push forward with purpose.
Zi’Kirya’s selection reflects the heart of the workshop: helping students transform real-life struggles into meaningful stories that inspire others. Her journey demonstrates what can happen when students are given the space to express themselves, build confidence, and develop their voice through writing.