WALDORF, Md. — Two Maurice J. McDonough High School seniors in Charles County self-published a Spanish-language children’s book titled “Mar la Estrella: La Estrella Perdió,” which tells the story of a blue star feeling different among red, orange and yellow ones, on January 8, 2026.
Cori Avent wrote the book, and Cynclair Wilson provided illustrations, with the project originating as a class assignment in Amanda Raniolo’s Spanish course two years earlier. The students recently read the book to kindergarten and first-grade classes at Arthur Middleton Elementary School, where students participate in a dual language, two-way immersion program learning in English and Spanish.
The tale focuses on themes of diversity and self-acceptance. “It’s so important that little kids, younger kids recognize that their differences are what makes them special,” Wilson said.
The project began when Raniolo’s class read familiar fairytales in Spanish to build language skills and grammar understanding. Students then created alternative endings, leading to original stories practicing past tenses like preterite and imperfect.
“There are grammar structures within storytelling that students practice throughout the year,” Raniolo said. “Through story telling it makes it more interesting for them and they get to create and tell their own story.”
Raniolo noted the high quality of Avent and Wilson’s work. “All projects and assignments that both Cori and Cynclair have turned in for class or for the polyglot team are always extraordinary,” Raniolo said. “You can see their creative nature and they always put forth their absolute best effort.”
Avent proposed self-publishing the book with Wilson’s illustrations, and Raniolo assisted in researching options. The paperback is available on Amazon.
During the visit to Arthur Middleton Elementary, younger students colored pages featuring book characters after the reading. A CCPSTV feature video documents the event.
Arthur Middleton houses Charles County Public Schools’ dual language program, launched in the 2024-2025 school year for prekindergarten and kindergarten, with grade levels added annually. The program aims for full implementation by the 2029-2030 school year, when all students at the school will participate.
Avent and Wilson rank among the top 10 in McDonough’s Class of 2026 and plan to study engineering in college. Both intend to continue creative pursuits, with Avent focusing on writing and Wilson on art, while maintaining Spanish practice.
Avent emphasized broader lessons. “I want students to not only understand the importance of diversity,” Avent said, “… but also understand that language is a bridge between people.”
The book conveys messages of uniqueness and connection through language, aligning with the dual immersion program’s goals of bilingual education in Southern Maryland’s Charles County.
McDonough High School, located in Pomfret, serves students in southern Charles County with programs emphasizing academics and extracurriculars. The self-publishing effort highlights student initiative in language arts within the district’s curriculum.
Charles County Public Schools operates multiple facilities supporting diverse learning, including immersion initiatives to foster multilingual skills among growing student populations in the region.