Young St. Albert writer's first book carries important message

Adults are the main writers of children’s books. But every once in a while, we hear of a child that writes a book with potential for a big impact. 

St. Albert’s Margaret Alexander, 7, hosted a reading of her inaugural book, Different Angel, at Bookstore on Perron Street last Saturday. Different Angel is a self-published book that speaks wisdom beyond its years and delivers a basic truism. 

The 24-page picture book is a tale about an angel born with golden wings in a universe where other angels are blessed with silver wings. Initially, she is shunned by everyone despite her kindness until an angel with silver wings befriends and accepts her despite their differences. 

“It doesn’t matter what you look like. It matters what’s inside,” said Margaret, distilling the book’s major theme. 

The Grade 2 student, currently enrolled at École Marie Poburan, has always dreamt of writing a book. Margaret’s teacher, Madame Elodie Maunder, notes Margaret reads at a Grade 4 level, was not overly surprised by her student’s book. 

“Margaret has always been a high-achieving student and enjoys sharing her achievements. I was proud of Margaret for coming up with the story idea, and her family for taking the idea and running with it,” Maunder said.  

The book’s concept was developed from a real-life incident that occurred when Margaret was five years old. 

“It was Christmas night and me and some friends were making angels with silver paper. I ran out of silver paper and used gold. My friends laughed at me for using gold paper and I was hurt. That night an angel came in my dreams and told me it doesn't matter what you look like. It matters what’s inside.” 

The next morning, Margaret, who is articulate and confident, described the dream to her parents. Maria Alexander, her mother, video recorded her daughter’s description on a cellphone. 

“I thought it would be a nice memory,” Maria said. “And then we realized it was a good idea for a book. We contacted several publishing houses, but they never responded.” 

Despite the initial silence, Maria approached Amazon, a mecca for self-published books. Amazon partnered with Kindle Direct Publishing, which in turn hires subcontractors. It was at that point the real challenges began. 

Margaret typed out her story, but when the first printing came out, four pages were blank. After a rigmarole of contacting customer service, manufacturing service and printing departments five times, Different Angel was ready for distribution in May. 

Once the picture book was available for distribution, Margaret read it to kindergarten students at Victoria School of the Arts as well as three classes at EMP. Margaret admits to being a bit nervous for those readings. 

“But I actually liked it,” said Margaret.  

Maunder appears very enthusiastic about her student’s accomplishments. 

“I thought it was cute, but it’s also a good way to end the school year with a good message. It’s OK to dream what you dream and it’s OK to be different.” 

She added students were very impressed the story went from being a piece of paper to a published book. 

“My hope is that it inspires Margaret to strive for more and better rather than just settling.” 

Different Angel is available through the Bookstore on Perron Street for $10.