This is an optional release to be published with or before the first chapter of 
"Journey to a Brand New State." Replace "This newspaper" in the first paragraph 
with your newspaper's name.


A new serial story for young readers will begin appearing this week in this 
newspaper. "Journey to a Brand New State: A Tale of Two Whippersnappers" is a 
weekly chapter story that explores an important period in Oklahoma history 
through the adventures of two young boys. The story is provided exclusively to 
Oklahoma newspapers by the Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation in celebration of the 
state's centennial.

The eight-chapter serial story follows two brothers and their parents traveling 
with a wagon train to their new home in Guthrie, Okla. "Journey to a Brand New 
State" explores the adventures of ten-year-old Ty, four-year-old Trevor and 
their dog, Boomer. They travel in a covered wagon, live in a dugout, discover 
buffalo bones and finally celebrate Oklahoma's statehood on Nov. 16, 1907.

The series was written by Carolyn Estes of the Oologah Lake Leader in Oologah, 
Okla.

Serial stories are short novels published as individual chapters in the 
newspaper. One chapter will appear each week through mid-November with the final 
chapter appearing the week of Statehood Day.

Each chapter features one or two educational activities for young readers. Kids 
also can create their own book for "Journey to a Brand New State" in which they 
record their answers to the activities. 

To create your own scrapbook gather between 6 and 10 sheets of paper and place 
several staples along the left edge. On the front page design a cover 
illustration and write the story's title. Cut out each chapter from the 
newspaper and paste or attach it to the pages of the book. Write the answers to 
the newspaper activities in your book. After eight weeks the story will be 
complete. 


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