Who it's for

Kids and teens ready to build something of their own.

Young Builders is for kids and teens who want to create, not just consume — using AI as a creative and business-building tool starting with a project they'll be proud of: their own short book.

Ages8 to 14
FormatAfter-school or weekend workshops
Length4 sessions, from first idea to a finished digital book — with a printed copy available to order
CostFree, materials included
OutcomeA finished book they wrote and illustrated, with their name on it as author
LocationBoys & Girls Clubs, partner schools, and public libraries across metro Atlanta

What you'll create

From first idea to finished book.

Every child leaves with something real they made — not just a certificate.

01
Story & World-Building
Screen-free and kid-led: each child brainstorms their story out loud or on paper — characters, world, and all — no devices yet. An instructor helps every child find their voice, even shy writers.
02
Writing
With their story mapped out, each child puts their ideas into words page by page with support along the way. Watching their own story take shape builds real confidence, especially for reluctant writers.
03
Illustrating
Once the words are set, each child directs the artwork for every page — describing characters, colors, and scenes to bring their world to life. Watching it all come together is often the "wow" moment of the program.
04
Publishing Day
Each child gets their finished digital book on the spot and presents it to the group (and family, if it's a family event) — with their name on the cover as the author, and the option to order a printed copy to keep.

Book of the Month

What our writers are creating.

A finished book from a real Young Builders session — swapped out every month.

SJMG YOUNG BUILDERS PRESENTS

Nia and the Missing Key

by Amara J. Bell

About the Author

Amara J. Bell

Age 9 • SJMG Young Builders

Fun Fact: Amara once lost her own house key for three whole days — just like Nia! — before finding it in her coat pocket the entire time.

Interests: Solving mysteries, drawing superheroes, and eating extra-cheesy pizza.

Keep writing, Amara!

Nia was a tall girl with neat box braids and a bright blue backpack. She lived on a quiet street with a big oak tree. Every day after school, she walked home past the tall oak tree.

One day, Nia reached her front door. She looked in her backpack for her key. Uh-oh! The key was gone. She must have dropped it somewhere on her walk home.

Nia's neighbor, Shing-Bling-Cha-Ching, saw her standing outside, looking worried. “What's wrong?” he asked. “I lost my key!” said Nia. “Don't worry,” said Shing-Bling-Cha-Ching. “I'll help you look.”

Nia and Shing-Bling-Cha-Ching walked back the way she had come. They looked on the sidewalk. They looked by the park. But the key was nowhere to be found. Nia felt more and more worried.

“Let's look one more time, nice and slow,” said Shing-Bling-Cha-Ching. They walked past the big oak tree, checking every spot. Then, near a bush, something small and shiny caught their eyes!

It was Nia's key, hiding under the bush! Nia smiled big and gave her neighbor a great big hug. Together, they walked home, happy the key was found at last.

Young Builders Program

© SJMG.org — All Rights Reserved. This story was created through the SJMG Young Builders program. No part of this book may be duplicated, copied, reproduced, or redistributed in any form without written permission from SJMG.org.

www.sjmg.org

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