Child author holds book signing at Canonsburg library
Annie Clark, 11, of McKeesport, held a book signing Monday for her autobiographical account, “Right (Write) Where I Am,” at Frank Sarris Public Library in Canonsburg. Clark, who was born without hands, won a national handwriting competition in 2012.
Annie Clark and her mother, Mary Ellen, holds a copy of Annie’s autobiographical book, “Right (Write) Where I Am.” The Clark family, of McKeesport, adopted seven children from China, all of whom have disabilities.
CANONSBURG – Annie Clark has a deep appreciation for words. One word, “unique,” brought her to a spelling bee victory this school year. Another word, “perseverance,” is her life motto.
Clark, 11, of McKeesport, was born without hands. Yet, she can play sports, paint her nails and write more neatly than many children her age, using her forearm to hold the pencil steady.
She also won a national handwriting competition and authored a book about her experience entitled, “Right (Write) Where I Am: A Story of Perseverance,” which was on display Monday during a book signing event at Frank Sarris Public Library.
Clark was one of two children in 2012 who received the Nicholas Maxim Special Award for Excellent Penmanship from the Zaner-Bloser education company. The award was named after a fifth-grade student from Maine who was born without hands. Eligible participants in the contest must have a cognitive delay or an intellectual, physical or developmental disability, according to the contest website.
Clark said handwriting is not necessarily her favorite subject – she enjoys them all, especially history – but she sees the value in learning to print and write in cursive.
“I just love to read, and I think reading and writing are two very similar things,” she said while standing next to a display of glossy books with her picture on the front cover.
Peggy Tseng, library director, said she was moved by the story of Tom and Mary Ellen Clark, who adopted seven children from China, all of whom have disabilities. They also have three biological children.
Tseng said Clark’s story can motivate others to overcome hardships.
“I think her story – just the fact that she is 11 years old and able to write a book and publish a book – is an inspiring story for all of us.”
Local photographer Kim McAuley said she brought her 16-year-old daughter, Ashley, who has a disability, to meet Clark and hear her story. McAuley said she also admired Clark’s talents.
“She writes better than I do,” she said with a laugh. “I have writing like chicken scratch. My mother always told me I should be a doctor, the way I write.”
Clark’s story gained national attention and impressed political personality Glenn Beck, who invited her to Texas to appear on his television program. Clark wrote in her book that she felt camera shy, but enjoyed the experience.
“Annie is a very special and determined young lady,” Beck said in a quote that is featured on the back cover of her book. “She is a shining example that anything is possible even when the odds appear to be stacked against you.”
She also inspired her 13-year-old brother, Talbot, to keep practicing for the local spelling bee competition. Talbot took her advice and placed second in the competition among several local schools.
“She’s an amazing daughter in many, many ways,” Mary Ellen Clark said. “She just does her best at everything, and she inspries everybody around her.”