Do you have a middle-schooler who loves to write? Â Christine Johnson, owner of the Miracle Mile Toys and Games store does. Â And her 12-year-old daughter, Astrid, came up with the idea of a middle-schoolers’ writing group, which Johnson decided to host, free of charge, at her shop.
The Miracle Mile Young Writers Club kicks off this Saturday, July 1, from 5-7 p.m. (and will continue with meetings for the next three Saturdays in July).  It will be a tween-led gathering of like-minded children, who will write on a different theme every week (the theme for the first meeting is “dragons”) and give each other feedback and support.  Recommended ages are 10-13, but all young writers are welcome…and kids can attend all or just one of the meetings.
“This was 100% my daughter Astrid’s idea. She’ll be going into the 7th grade at Pilgrim School. She loves to write,” said Johnson. “I’ll be there [at the writers’ meeting] as an adult, but won’t weigh in. My daughter will be a facilitator with some pointers from me ahead of time. But mostly it’s for the kids to gather, share their work, and discuss. And of course connect with other kids who love to write.”
Johnson said participants should bring at least one page of work to read aloud and discuss with the group.  It’s a drop-off event, and a vegetarian (pasta) dinner will be provided for the children, so parents could even use the opportunity to sneak out for a Miracle Mile date night as well.  Young Writers who attend every session will receive a special notebook and pen.  To RSVP, see https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miracle-mile-young-writers-club-tickets-35610079707
Johnson added that the writing group is just one of several special events coming up at the store this summer. Others include a Roald Dahl fan club, a chess series…and a slime fest. That last one will take place on Sunday, July 9th, and will also be child-led…with two girls teaching about slime and another selling her homemade slime. Kids can trade, experiment and enjoy some slime-themed snacks.
