Literacy Alive Presents: An 8-Week Book Design Workshop on Campus
Join us for an 8-week creative workshop where we’ll explore how storytelling can bring healing to our communities. Whether you’ve ever wondered “How do I tell my story?”, “How do I write a book?”, or “Can I really have a book illustrated?” — the answer is YES. Sign up now! Literacy Alive, in partnership with Antmound LLC, will be right here on campus to guide you through every step.
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In the first week, students will dive into the world of storytelling by creating their main character. They’ll learn how to develop unique personalities, motivations, and backgrounds that make their heroes stand out. Through fun brainstorming exercises, they’ll begin crafting the foundation of their story, ensuring their characters feel real and relatable.
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Great stories are built on challenges, and every hero needs guidance. This week, students will explore the essential elements of storytelling: conflict and mentorship. They’ll learn how to introduce obstacles that push their characters to grow while developing mentors who provide wisdom and support. Through interactive discussions and writing prompts, they’ll shape the emotional core of their stories.
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Now that the characters and conflicts are set, it's time to bring the story to life! Students will learn how to map out their narratives using a storyboard approach, organizing scenes in a clear and engaging sequence. They’ll begin drafting their stories, sketching ideas, and structuring their books in a way that keeps readers excited to turn the page.
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This week is all about creativity through visuals! Students will explore different illustration techniques and styles, learning how to enhance their stories with compelling artwork. Whether through drawing, painting, or digital tools, they’ll begin bringing their characters and settings to life, adding depth and personality to their books.
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With their stories written and illustrations underway, students will focus on refining their work. They’ll review their drafts, improve their storytelling structure, and enhance their illustrations to ensure consistency and quality. This week emphasizes attention to detail, encouraging students to revise their work until it's polished and ready for publishing.
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The final week is a celebration of creativity and achievement! Students will put the finishing touches on their books, ensuring everything is formatted and ready for publishing. They’ll also have the opportunity to share their stories with their peers, teachers, and families. This exciting conclusion allows them to see their hard work pay off as their books come to life in print or digital format.
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Details for this week will be provided soon.
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Details for this week will be provided soon.
Literacy Alive Presents: An 8-Week Book Design Workshop on Campus Ready to turn your story into something powerful?
Join the Program
Join the Program
FREE to join – Limited spots available! Sign up today
📚 What is Literacy Alive?
Literacy Alive isn’t your average reading program. It’s a creative storytelling experience where you become the author. Through our 6 to 8-week program, you'll learn how to turn your personal story, your imagination, and your voice into a real published children's book—yes, a real book with your name on the cover. Whether you’ve always had a story to tell or you’re just figuring it out, this program is here to guide you every step of the way.
🧠 Why Should You Join?
✍️ Tell Your Story – What you’ve been through matters. We’ll help you turn your life experiences, culture, ideas, or dreams into something powerful.
📖 Become a Published Author – Your finished book will be available on Amazon and can even be used for fundraisers or college applications.
🎨 Creative Freedom – Work alongside professional illustrators, storytellers, and mentors who help bring your story to life.
💡 Entrepreneurship & Empowerment – Learn how your story can inspire others and be used to build a business or career.
🎤 Your Voice, Your Legacy – This is your chance to speak up, stand out, and leave your mark in your school, your city, and beyond.
🤝 Who’s Making This Happen?
This opportunity is brought to you through a powerful partnership between:
Literacy Alive, The Antmound Foundation, Waukegan High Schools, and Waukegan Public Schools District 60 (WPS60).
Together, we’re creating space for young creators—just like you—to shine, heal, and lead through the power of storytelling.
🚀 Ready to Make a Book That Matters?
If you're a student at Waukegan High School, this is your shot to create something that lasts. Whether you’re into art or writing or simply want to try something new, you belong here.
Spots are limited, so don’t sleep on this. Join us. Tell your story. Change the world—one page at a time.
Meet Our Team
About Tyrus Goshay – Founder of Literacy Alive Tyrus Goshay is a seasoned illustrator, creative director, and children’s book publisher with over 20 years of experience in the visual arts and storytelling space. As the founder of Literacy Alive, Tyrus has dedicated his career to empowering young people—especially in underserved communities—to tell their own stories through books. Under his leadership, Literacy Alive has helped hundreds of first-time authors and students write, design, and publish their own children's books. Tyrus brings a unique blend of industry experience, cultural awareness, and educational passion to every workshop, making the book creation process both accessible and exciting for young storytellers. He’s collaborated with schools, after-school programs, community organizations, and national talent—using the power of storytelling to inspire creativity, promote literacy, and build confidence in youth voices. With each project, Tyrus continues his mission: to show students that their stories matter and that they can become the authors of their own futures.
Literacy Alive, Antmound Foundation & WPS60: A Healing Illinois Initiative for Black & Latin Youth
TLiteracy Alive program—an 8-week creative literacy and healing experience designed for Black and Latin youth ages 14–18 in the tri-city area of North Chicago, Waukegan, and Zion.
This transformative initiative—powered by Healing Illinois and supported by Waukegan High School and WPS60—is a direct response to the school-to-prison pipeline that disproportionately impacts youth of color. Through the power of storytelling, this program fosters healing, authorship, and entrepreneurship by guiding participants to write, illustrate, and publish a professional children's book.
Each week blends literacy development, social-emotional learning, and real-world skill-building. Youth will learn story structure, explore community topics like entrepreneurship and anti-gang violence, and gain inspiration from modern-day heroes who overcame systemic challenges. At the heart of the program is a trauma-informed approach that sees participants not as problems to be fixed but as voices to be heard, celebrated, and empowered.
By the end of the program, each student will become a published author, with their collective book available on Amazon and in community spaces. The experience will also serve as a launchpad into Antmound’s Business Incubator & Incorporation Initiative (AMBiii)—providing a bridge from storytelling to sustainable change.
Rooted in Antmound’s four pillars—Education, Economic Justice, Entrepreneurship, and Legal Justice—this collaboration embodies our commitment to equity, anti-racism, and local leadership. With a team of trusted professionals and community-rooted mentors, Literacy Alive is more than a program; it’s a movement.
Together, we’re building a new generation of thinkers, dreamers, and doers—right here in the communities we call home.
