Grove City triplets publish their first book

Taryn, Lydia and Jennifer Peterson have written a 358-page science-fiction novel for young adults titled Awake. The 17-year old authors are triplets who attend Grove City Area School District High School and they credit their accomplishment in part to the district’s independent learning program.

Started last year, the program allows students to create their own program of study based on their interests and the subjects they want to learn about. In a recent Allied News article, Grove City Area High School Principal Brendan Smith said, “This is an example of how we are trying to expand learning outside of the classroom. It gives our kids a chance to explore interests and then gives them time to actually do it.”

During their time in the independent learning program, the girls were able to collaborate and focus on their writing. They worked with Debbie Los, their creative writing and literature teacher, who provided feedback and support during the writing and editing process. With the book set to be published in October, the next focus in their independent learning program is marketing.

Lydia told Allied News, “The goal would be to make this book part of a trilogy, then eventually make a whole universe similar to Marvel. Our dream would be to keep doing these kinds of books together.”