If you haven’t met Sarah Calvert, a senior at Weber High School, you may want to go out of your way to do so! This bright young woman is finding happiness in giving back to children, by way of a fairy tale story, The Rose Garden. This book was written by Calvert herself, and its central focus is on kindness.
With enthusiasm, Calvert tells us, “Kids think magical powers are so awesome and I really think kindness is the coolest magical power! Every kid has it and I wanted to get that point across.”
Calvert’s wish is to give this book to children who, for whatever reason, must stay in the hospital. Calvert knows all too well what it’s like to stay in a hospital. She was born with Cerebral Palsy, which is the most common motor disability among children in the United States, affecting around 10,000 new babies each year. She tells us, “Hospitals work miracles and that’s why I’m doing this because I believe they deserve to be given back to.” 100% of the proceeds from The Rose Garden will be going to a particular hospital of Calvert’s choice.
Calvert underwent two major surgeries when she was younger: a Rhizotomy in 1st grade and an Osteotomy in 6th grade. Both of which improved her balance, walking and other physical functions, including handwriting. Though the process was very painful, Calvert is so grateful for the love and support of those who’ve helped her, especially her family.
Because Cerebral Palsy affects motor skills as well as some physical abilities, Calvert tells us that, “The only outlet that was provided for me was through writing and reading.”
According to Calvert, “Books are magic in paper. They can become your home if you’re immersed in them.” The Rose Garden, meant for both genders and all ages, gives ear to the story of a young gardener girl who is in love with a prince. However, as the gardener, she knows she can’t be with the prince due to their social status. Thus, a Fairy Godmother is presented and offers a special act of kindness—which you can only find out if you read the book!
Calvert began writing The Rose Garden, three years ago, in 9th grade which didn’t take her long to write—about 2 months. She says, “I wrote half of it in 9th grade, as a 16-page story, and showed it to my Mom, who felt I needed to expand. She told me it was great! My Mom is amazing! She’s always really pushed my writing talent and she taught me how to read. I think reading is the start to writing.”
Grandpas and Grandmas, family, cousins, and friends all came to Calvert’s recent book launching held at Weber High School on October 17. . She greeted each guest with a hug along with a personalized signature in her new book. She smiles and says, “Nothing makes me happier than when someone reads something I wrote and they say, ‘That really made me think or that touched me.”
She also points out, “Authors have a true power no other job does and it’s the power to make people think and change their perspective and open their minds.” Although, one aspect of writing Calvert does find challenging--is finishing. “Everything I see all around me is an idea for a story. I always feel like my next idea is better than the last one.”
Calvert belongs to a loving family with four siblings, along with her Mom and Dad. She has a younger sister and two younger brothers. She loves watching her siblings play sports and cheering them on. Yet, she knows her talents and abilities are magnified with her continuous love of writing. After graduating from high school, Calvert hopes to serve an LDS mission. For now, she will spread kindness in her own way, one book at at time. If you’re interested in purchasing The Rose Garden, please email Sarah Calvert at loveunconditionalproject@gmail.com
